Fishing in Iceland comes with dinner. This sea angling trip from Reykjavik mixes hands-on learning with a real shot at big catches in Faxaflói Bay. You get suited up, taken to good grounds, taught how to fish, and then you eat what you catch—right there on the boat.

I love the way this tour makes fishing feel do-able fast. The crew teaches technique step by step, and the onboard BBQ lunch turns the whole outing into a full experience, not just time on the water. I also like the small-group feel, with a maximum of 20 people, so you’re not just standing around hoping someone explains the rod to you.

One consideration: this is wild ocean fishing. You can’t be sure you’ll catch fish every run, and weather can matter in Iceland, including rougher seas that can trigger motion sickness.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Beginner-friendly teaching: no experience or license needed, with clear instruction from the crew
• Drift fishing in Faxaflói Bay: you sail to the bay’s best grounds and fish from the move
• Rain jacket and gear included: plus help with rain gear if you need it to stay dry
• Onboard BBQ from your catch: your lunch is cooked using what you bring in (when you catch)
• Small maximum group size: capped at 20, with many trips feeling like a tight crew
• Bonus wildlife views: puffins and seabirds are common possibilities

Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet: why this trip feels different

This is not a distant, “watch from the back” kind of tour. You’re out on the water in Faxaflói Bay, and you’re expected to do the fishing. That hands-on setup is what makes it work—especially if you’ve never held a rod before.

The other part that changes the vibe is food. Iceland can be pricey when you eat out. Here, your meal is built around the catch you make, cooked onboard as you head back. It’s a clever way to turn your fishing effort into a tangible payoff.

The crew also matters. Names you’ll hear in past trips include Jacob, and another captain/guide mentioned as Vigfus (with his brother). Across the board, the theme is patience and practical help, even when the group includes kids and first-timers.

Price and what you really get for $160

At $160 per person for about 3 hours, the headline price looks like it could be steep. But the value is in what’s bundled: fishing equipment, a rain jacket, and an onboard BBQ lunch made from the catch.

If you were paying separately for gear, a guided trip, and a meal in Reykjavik, this starts to look more like a package than a pure activity fee. You’re also getting the benefit of someone steering you toward productive fishing grounds instead of figuring it out on your own in a place with real weather and real waves.

Two practical notes make the math even clearer. First, you’re limited to a small number of people on the boat. Second, the instruction is included, and you keep access to the crew while you fish and while the catch is prepared.

From Hlésgata 1: boarding, getting set, and staying comfortable

The meeting point is Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. The trip returns you back there, so you don’t have to think about end-of-tour transportation. That matters because Reykjavik weather can flip quickly, and you’ll appreciate not adding extra logistics after you’ve been outside on the water.

Once you board, the tour is set up for people who may not be ready for cold wind and spray. You’ll be provided with a rain jacket, and on some outings there’s also borrowing available—rain coats and boots—if you need them. That’s a big deal for comfort, because Iceland isn’t shy about moisture.

Bring sturdy shoes even though footwear isn’t included. Rain jacket helps you stay dry on top, but your feet still need grip and warmth. Also, plan on wearing clothing that can get dirty. Sea angling has a way of making hems and sleeves look like they’ve seen salt and deck life up close.

Inside comfort sounds minor until you need it. On past trips, the boat has had basic amenities like a bathroom (often referred to as a head). Some groups also mention coffee and cookies right after boarding, which is a small touch that makes the start of the trip feel welcoming.

Faxaflói Bay fishing: what you’ll do during the 3 hours

The main action is a 3-hour fishing session at sea in Faxaflói Bay. The crew guides you along the way and answers questions as you learn. You don’t need a fishing license. You also don’t need prior experience. That makes the learning curve much less intimidating.

What learning feels like on this boat

The instruction is hands-on, not just a lecture. You’ll be shown how to operate the fishing rod and how to handle your line. The goal is simple: get you fishing quickly and safely, without turning the trip into a long classroom moment.

One detail that shows they plan for beginners: the gear setup is designed to reduce chaos. Past fishers describe rigs and lures that are less fussy to use, and a style of tackle that’s easier to manage when you’re new.

If you’re a bit nervous, you’re not alone. The group mix often includes total beginners, and on at least one outing there were both an 11-year-old and a 78-year-old taking part successfully. That’s a good sign the crew adjusts to the room.

How fishing is done: drift fishing with guidance

Fishing happens on the drift. In practical terms, that means you cast and work your line while the boat moves, instead of fishing from a stationary spot. Some groups specifically note fishing on the drift with a drogue to slow the motion. The crew’s job is to keep the drift manageable and explain when to reel and when to wait.

The best part for many people is momentum. When the boat hits a good area and the technique clicks, you can go through catch-after-catch cycles pretty quickly. Several past trips describe lots of fish coming in, with some people catching multiple species in the same session.

What you can catch (and what to expect)

The most commonly caught fish listed for this tour include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack. In reality, Iceland’s catches can shift with conditions, so you might also see other species appear depending on the day and the area the crew fishes.

Two things are worth saying plainly:

• No catch is guaranteed. This is wild nature, and fishing depends on conditions.
• A “slow start” doesn’t mean the trip is over. Crews often change areas and patterns during the outing.

Even with those realities, the overall results trend strongly positive. The tour is rated 4.7 with 93% recommended, and many descriptions emphasize that the crew helps people succeed rather than just sending them out to struggle.

Wildlife views: puffins and seabirds on your line breaks

While you’re out on the water, wildlife is a real possibility. Past trips mention seabirds like puffins and fulmars, and that’s part of the “bonus value” you get with a sea outing. It’s not why you’re paying, but it makes the boat time feel less like waiting for bites.

Whale sightings are mentioned as possible on sea trips around Iceland, but you should treat that as a maybe—not a promise. Your main focus here is fishing.

Motion sickness and rougher seas: plan smart

Iceland can be calm one minute and not-so-calm the next. This tour requires good weather, and conditions can affect comfort. If you’ve ever felt queasy on boats, plan ahead.

One helpful detail from real-world experience: the crew can provide complimentary antiemetics if you need them. That’s the kind of practical support that can save your day. If you think you might get seasick, it’s worth mentioning early to the crew rather than waiting until things go sideways.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, also dress in layers you can manage, and keep your eyes on stable points when the boat rolls. The goal is to reduce the mismatch between what your eyes see and what your stomach feels.

Eating onboard: the BBQ lunch that turns fish into a meal

Here’s why people remember this trip: the catch becomes lunch. If you’re successful, the crew grills and serves your fish while you’re still on the water during the ride back. Several past accounts describe the fish being cleaned and cooked before you even return to the dock.

That freshness is the whole point. It’s hard to explain until you experience it. But if you like seafood, this is one of the simplest ways to get “best possible” freshness without playing restaurant roulette.

What the lunch can include

The official setup is a light BBQ lunch of your catch onboard. Reviews also mention sides such as potatoes, potato salad, and sauces. Even when the menu details vary by day, the consistent theme is straightforward: fresh fish, cooked onboard, served as part of your return.

Some groups describe tasting cod or haddock specifically, and the shared excitement is that the meal is tied to what you did out at sea. If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t sure they’ll enjoy fishing, this meal is often the deciding factor.

A note for non-fish fans

If you hate the idea of seafood, this might feel awkward. But if you’re open-minded, the cooking style seems to land well even with people who thought they wouldn’t be into fishing. You’re not stuck with a complicated tasting menu. It’s grilled fish, simple and salty, paired with basic sides.

Getting the most out of your time on the water

If you want a smoother trip, a few small choices help.

First, arrive ready to get a bit damp. Even with a rain jacket, you’ll likely feel sea spray. Dry comfort matters more than you think.

Second, keep your expectations flexible. The crew will do their job to put you in good areas, but fishing is still fishing. Your best move is to focus on learning technique and letting the day unfold.

Third, if you catch fish, don’t just watch. Participate, follow the crew’s tips, and pay attention to when they suggest changes. Many successful fishers on these boats aren’t “lucky.” They’re learning the patterns fast.

Finally, bring good energy. This is a social boat, even when it’s small. Most people enjoy it most when they treat it like a shared half-day outdoors lesson—rather than a competition to see who can hook the biggest cod.

Who should book this sea angling trip (and who might skip it)

This trip is a strong fit if you:

• Want a hands-on guided activity with no previous fishing skills required
• Like the idea of eating fresh fish onboard, not later at a restaurant
• Travel with kids or mixed ages and want staff who are used to helping beginners
• Prefer smaller groups over big buses and rigid schedules

You might consider skipping if you:

• Get motion sick easily and you’re not willing to take precautions
• Need guaranteed success. Catching fish is very possible, but not guaranteed
• Don’t eat seafood at all, since the meal centers on the catch when successful

It can also be a great “afternoon plan.” Many people treat it like a compact Reykjavik day: do city time in the morning, head out for a few hours, then come back with both dinner and stories.

Booking tip: plan ahead for better availability

The tour is often booked in advance (an average of 51 days). That’s usually a sign it’s popular in the season when people have short Iceland windows. If your dates are firm, book early so you’re not left chasing availability.

English is available, and the maximum group size (20) helps keep the experience personal. That combo is part of why it rates so well.

Should you book Reykjavik Sea Angling Gourmet?

I think you should book it if you want a Reykjavik activity that’s practical, hands-on, and tied to a payoff you can taste. Instruction is included, the trip is short enough to fit most schedules, and the BBQ lunch from your catch is the kind of detail that makes the trip feel complete.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re mainly looking for sightseeing-only. You’re going to work a line, learn technique, and spend time out on the water where weather can shift. If that sounds fun, you’ll likely love it. If it sounds stressful, skip it and choose something more passive.

FAQ

Do I need fishing experience or a license?

No. The crew teaches you the best techniques and takes care of you, so you don’t need previous fishing experience or a license.

How long is the trip?

It’s listed as about 3 hours at sea, with the activity ending back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Your tour includes excellent guidance, a rain jacket, fishing equipment, and a BBQ lunch of catch onboard.

Where do I meet the tour?

You start at Hlésgata 1, 101 Reykjavík. The tour begins and ends back at the same meeting point.

What fish might I catch?

The most commonly caught fish include catfish, cod, haddock, mackerel, and pollack.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.