REVIEW · REYKJAVIK
Sea Fishing Experience from Reykjavik
Book on Viator →Operated by Special Tours Iceland · Bookable on Viator
Cold water, big catches, 3 hours.
This Reykjavik sea fishing trip turns a simple boat ride into a hands-on session in Faxaflói Bay, with the crew steering you toward fish and teaching you along the way. I like that you get warm coveralls so you’re not fighting the chill, and I also love the payoff: they grill your catch on board (or you can take it back to your place). I’ve always found fishing tours either teach you fast or they don’t, and the best part here is that the crew really works to get everyone fishing, from kids to first-timers, with names like Captain Stefan, Vera, Kiljan, Oscar, and Samuel popping up in guest stories.
Here’s the one thing to weigh: some days can feel shoulder-to-shoulder at the rail, especially when the boat is full and the crew is putting everyone over the same prime spot. Also, the trip depends on the weather, so you’ll want to be flexible with your evening plans.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go
- Setting Off From Reykjavik’s Geirsgata at 5:00 pm
- Coveralls, Rods, Bait: The Stuff That Actually Makes This Easy
- The Fishing Session in Faxaflói Bay: How the Crew Gets You On Fish
- What You Might Catch: Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Halibut, and More
- Akurey and Lundey in Summer: Puffins, Seabirds, and a Wildlife Bonus
- After the Catch: Grill on Board or Take It Back
- The Boat, the Group, and the Feel of the Evening
- Price Check: Is $147.54 Good Value for This?
- Who This Trip Fits Best in Your Iceland Plan
- Should You Book Sea Fishing From Reykjavik?
- FAQ
- What time does the Reykjavik sea fishing tour start?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- What fishing gear is provided?
- Do I need to bring food or drinks?
- What fish might I catch?
- Can I get my catch prepared to take back to my accommodation?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

- All gear and bait included: you don’t show up hunting for a rod or tackle bag.
- Crew coaching for first-timers: even if you’ve never sea-fished, you’ll get set up and guided.
- Big “eat what you catch” payoff: grill happens right on the boat.
- Species and scenery together: cod-focused fishing plus chances to spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds.
- Seasonal route adds wildlife: May–August includes sailing past Akurey and Lundey for seabirds and puffins.
Setting Off From Reykjavik’s Geirsgata at 5:00 pm

The experience starts right in Reykjavik, meeting at Geirsgata 11, and it runs about 3 hours with a 5:00 pm departure. That late afternoon timing matters in Iceland. You get out onto the bay while there’s still light to enjoy the water, and you’ll come back with a meal already handled.
Once you meet the captain and crew, you’ll get warm coveralls and head out to the boat. The vibe is practical and friendly, like fishing is the main event and the staff is there to keep you moving, warm, and catching. From guest reports, the deck team does a lot of line untangling and hands-on help, which is a big deal if you’re new and your cast gets… creative.
You’ll head into Faxaflói Bay, the area right by Reykjavik, where the water can feel brisk fast. If you’re used to lake fishing, this is a different game: you’ll feel the boat in motion and you’ll be casting in colder air over open water. That difference is exactly why this tour is so popular with both families and fishing nerds.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reykjavik
Coveralls, Rods, Bait: The Stuff That Actually Makes This Easy

Here’s what makes this tour feel low-stress: protective clothing and fishing gear are included. That means you’re not spending money last-minute on a rental rod or trying to improvise bait you don’t understand. You just show up, get dressed for the cold, and let the crew handle the setup.
You’ll fish with supplied rods and bait, and the guides guide you through the basics if you’re a first-timer. This is not a silent “good luck” kind of outing. The goal is for you to drop your line and start getting bites quickly, with help when lines snag or when a beginner needs a hand.
One practical tip: even with coveralls, you’ll want to be ready for wind and wet spray. Bring nothing fancy—just be comfortable layering under the provided clothing. On rougher days, guests describe getting hit with cold, rain, and wind, but the tour still stays focused on getting people fishing.
The Fishing Session in Faxaflói Bay: How the Crew Gets You On Fish
Once you’re positioned, you’ll drop your line and fish. This is where the crew’s experience really shows. They work to put the boat in the right spots and help manage the chaos that can happen when lots of people are fishing at once.
Expect the trip to feel hands-on: casting, reeling, and learning what the line is telling you. If you’re new, you’ll likely get taught how to handle what you’re using and what to do when a catch comes up. Multiple guests mention that the staff works hard to ensure everyone has a chance, including kids.
There’s also a useful reality check: sea fishing isn’t guaranteed. Some guests report huge success—others describe days where they had fewer hits. Even then, the tour still seems to land well because you’re on the water doing something active, guided by a team that keeps trying to find fish.
Also watch for the “process” moments. When a line gets tangled or people snag the bottom, the crew is busy. That’s not a failure—it’s part of sea fishing. What you care about is whether they respond fast, keep you fishing, and reset the situation. Based on the stories, they do.
What You Might Catch: Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Halibut, and More
The species you may catch include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish. In practical terms, that means you’re in a North Atlantic zone where fish are common, but the exact mix depends on where the boat fishes that night.
Cod is the star in a lot of guest stories. People describe catching multiple large cod, and one group even reported over 70 cod in a couple of hours. When the bite is on, it’s a full-on success moment, not a slow “maybe someday” thing.
But the real value isn’t just the fish list. It’s how the crew reacts to what’s happening. If fish are holding deep or you keep snagging, the guides adjust the drift or the setup so you keep chances high. One less-smooth story notes equipment issues and how changes came after complaints, which is a reminder to speak up right away if something feels off—weight, rod condition, or how your line is behaving.
If you want a trip that teaches you how sea fishing feels—with real targets and a chance at multiple species—this checks the box. If you’re purely after trophy fishing, you’ll still get a strong shot, but no one on a sea trip can promise perfect conditions.
Akurey and Lundey in Summer: Puffins, Seabirds, and a Wildlife Bonus

If you travel in summer (May to August), the boat may pass the islands of Akurey and Lundey during the trip. These islands are known for seabirds and puffins, so keep your eyes up as you head across the bay.
This is one of those “tiny added value” parts that can make the experience feel bigger than fish alone. You’re out at sea and you might spot seabirds nesting and puffins during the warmer months. That means even if you’re not constantly pulling in fish, you still have wildlife to watch.
Guests also describe spotting other marine life on the way back—whales and dolphins show up in stories. The takeaway: you’re not just sitting on a boat waiting. You’re riding through a real coastal ecosystem, and the crew’s route can give you more than one kind of highlight.
After the Catch: Grill on Board or Take It Back

Here’s the part I think most people actually remember: what happens next. Once you’ve been fishing, the tour offers two options. You can have the crew prepare your catch to take back to your hotel or apartment, or they can grill the catch on board.
Grilling on the boat turns fish from a “good luck” activity into a full experience. You’re out on cold water, then you go warm with something fresh. Guest reports describe delicious cod dinners right on the return, sometimes with sides like potatoes. In several stories, people mention that they ate everything they caught, which is a huge morale boost if your trip ends up being successful.
Taking it back to cook later works if you’d rather control the kitchen plan, but you give up some of that immediate, celebratory meal energy. Either way, the tour handles the hard part: getting your fish ready, not you guessing how to cook Icelandic seafood from scratch.
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this “catch and cook” ending is especially powerful. It turns effort into food fast, and the staff’s attitude seems built for that moment—helping kids keep their lines under control and making sure they get a real win.
The Boat, the Group, and the Feel of the Evening

The group size cap is 65 travelers, and the boat is large with seating inside, plus toilets and drinks reported by guests. That matters in Iceland because weather changes fast. If you get cold, you don’t have to be miserable on deck the whole time.
Still, there can be a tradeoff when boats are full. Some guests felt fishing was shoulder to shoulder, which means your personal space may be limited during busy moments. If you’re sensitive to crowds, it’s worth knowing that the main fishing action happens where people are lined up.
On the plus side, the crew is focused on keeping you working. Multiple guests mention line untangling help, cutting off crossed lines, and stepping in when someone needs guidance. That kind of active hosting is one reason the satisfaction rate looks so strong.
Price Check: Is $147.54 Good Value for This?
At $147.54 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t a throwaway activity. But the price makes more sense when you break down what’s included.
You’re paying for:
- Expert guides who put you in good fishing spots and help you fish
- Protective clothing so you can stay comfortable
- Full fishing gear and bait (rod, bait, and what you need to fish)
- A real meal outcome, with grilling on board or prep for later
When everything’s bundled like that, you’re not dealing with hidden add-ons for gear or being forced into a “bring your own tackle” situation. And the “eat your catch” element is a value driver because it turns the tour into something more than sport—it becomes food.
It also leans well for couples and families. For families, you’re paying for a structured adventure that keeps kids engaged. For couples, it’s a shared activity with an actual payoff at the end. And for solo anglers, it’s less stressful than planning a charter day yourself.
The only true value question is weather. If your evening is calm and fish are biting, the trip can feel like a bargain. If seas are rough or the bite is slow, you still get the boat ride and guided fishing, but the “fish numbers” part may disappoint. The company plans for weather dependence, and you should plan your evening with some flexibility.
Who This Trip Fits Best in Your Iceland Plan
This is a great choice if you want a hands-on Reykjavik activity that’s different from buses, museums, and waterfall photos. It’s also a strong pick if you’re a first-time sea fisher. The crew teaching tone comes through in multiple guest stories, with named deckhands like Kiljan and helpers like Vera showing up in positive feedback.
It’s also ideal if you want a family-friendly outing that ends with food you can taste and share. Guests with kids mention that the timing and effort levels worked out well, and that the crew helped kids catch fish rather than treating them like spectators.
If you’re someone who hates cold or hates crowds, you should go in prepared for wind and a lively boat setup. Coveralls help, but you still want to layer smart and expect it to be an active, social environment.
And if you’re hoping to spot marine life, choose a day when you can stay present. The sea trip gives you more than one category of excitement—fish, seabirds in summer, and possible whale or dolphin sightings.
Should You Book Sea Fishing From Reykjavik?
Yes, if you want a short, guided Iceland activity with a clear end goal: catch fish and eat them. This works well because you get gear included, you’re guided step-by-step, and you don’t have to figure out how to cook your catch afterward.
Book it especially if:
- you want fresh grilled seafood as part of the experience
- you’re a beginner and want help getting bites
- you’re traveling with kids or mixed fishing skill levels
Consider another option if:
- you don’t handle crowds well, since busy sessions can feel tight at the rail
- you’re locking in a schedule with no flexibility, since sea trips depend on good weather
If your Iceland trip needs one evening that feels like a real story you’ll talk about later, this is the kind of trip that delivers.
FAQ
What time does the Reykjavik sea fishing tour start?
It starts at 5:00 pm and typically runs about 3 hours.
Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at Geirsgata 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland.
What fishing gear is provided?
Fishing rods and bait are provided, along with protective clothing for the trip.
Do I need to bring food or drinks?
Food and drinks are not included unless specified, though the tour does include cooking your catch on board.
What fish might I catch?
The species listed include cod, haddock, pollock, halibut, and rockfish.
Can I get my catch prepared to take back to my accommodation?
Yes. You can either have the crew grill your catch on board or prepare it for you to take back to your hotel or apartment to cook later.
What if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























