I’m always happy when a tour starts fast. This one gets you casting quickly from Reykjavík’s old harbor, out into Faxaflói Bay for the fun part: trying your luck in Iceland’s North Atlantic. I love how hands-on the crew is, especially for first-timers who want clear pointers before the line hits the water.

The second big win for me is the payoff back on board. You’ll taste your own catch, barbecued with coleslaw and potatoes, with coffee and sparkling water to warm things up while you’re still on the move. One thing to consider: this is a 3-hour boat experience in open sea conditions, so you’ll want to dress for wind and spray, and come ready for the day’s fishing rhythm to control the pace.

Key points to know before you go

• Old Harbor departure from the historic Reykjavík waterfront, with a straightforward start point at Hlésgata 1
• Fishing help for beginners, with gear and guidance provided once you’re at the fishing grounds
• Faxaflói Bay odds for catching cod, haddock, and pollock in Reykjavík waters
• Crew moves when fishing slows, so you’re not just waiting around
• BBQ of your catch onboard, served with coleslaw and potatoes, plus coffee and sparkling water
• Warm blankets on board, plus a chance to spot seabirds like puffins or gulls

Reykjavík Sea Angling: why this tour is fun and doable

This is the kind of outing that works whether you’re an actual angler or just curious. You’re not expected to know the gear, the knots, or the “right” way to time a cast. A guide gets you oriented, helps with the basics once you’re fishing, and stays involved so the trip stays enjoyable instead of frustrating.

What makes it especially appealing is the mix of action and comfort. You’re out on the water in Faxaflói Bay (windy, salty, and properly Iceland), but you’re also provided with warm blankets. And if you catch fish, you don’t just take it as a souvenir. You get it cleaned, filleted, and turned into a barbecue you can eat during the trip.

Price and value for $188 in 3 hours

At $188 per person for a 3-hour tour, it’s not the cheapest activity in Reykjavík. But when you look at what you receive, it starts to make sense.

You get:

• Fishing gear included
• Warm blankets
• Coffee and sparkling water
• Barbecue of your catch, served with coleslaw and potatoes

That’s a lot to bundle into a short trip. You’re paying for the boat time, a guiding presence that includes equipment help and hands-on assistance, plus the meal component. For me, the best value part is that you get both the sport and the direct reward of it: the fish you catch becomes food you eat on the way back.

Where you meet and how the day starts (Hlésgata 1)

The meeting point is on the harbor area at Hlésgata 1, between the Maritime Museum and the shipyard. Look for the guide wearing a black Viggson Sailing jacket (or a matching Viggson Sailing t-shirt), near the fish and chips wagon.

That detail matters because it keeps the start stress-free. In Reykjavík, the harbor can feel lively and busy, and you don’t want to waste the first 20 minutes trying to figure out which boat or which crew is yours. If you arrive a little early and walk the harbor edge until you spot the Viggson branding, you’ll get your bearings fast.

The short sightseeing cruise: getting out into Faxaflói Bay

Before fishing, you’ll get a 25-minute sightseeing cruise. This isn’t a long tour in itself, but it’s a useful buffer. It helps you:

• get used to the boat setting
• enjoy the Reykjavík coastline from the water
• transition from “city mode” into “ocean mode”

In Reykjavík’s harbor area, you often feel the contrast quickly: from boats and buildings to open sea and the clean smell of the North Atlantic. If you’re hoping to see seabirds during the day, this is a good time to start looking. On these waters, gulls and puffins can show up, and you’ll likely spot more of them once you’re out fishing.

A small caution: while the cruise is short, it’s still time on open water. Dress accordingly.

Guided fishing in Faxaflói: what you do once lines hit the water

The core of the tour is the 2-hour guided fishing session in Faxaflói. Once you reach the fishing grounds, your guide gives a quick orientation. This is where the tour becomes beginner-friendly in a real way, not just in marketing.

You can expect:

• Basics of sea angling explained clearly
• All necessary equipment provided (rods, reels, and tackle)
• Ongoing help and tips while you fish

The species you may catch in these Reykjavík fishing grounds include cod, haddock, and pollock. And the area is known for strong chances compared with many casual fishing setups.

In plain terms, your success rate improves because the guide isn’t just watching from afar. You’re being coached as you go, and the crew is actively engaged in finding productive spots.

When the fishing slows: the crew’s “move to another stop” advantage

One of the most praised parts of this experience is how the crew responds during the session. If the bite slows, the captain can move you to another stop quickly, instead of letting everyone sit and hope.

That matters because sea angling is partly skill and partly timing. If the conditions at one spot don’t cooperate, a smart change in location can turn a slow stretch into a productive one. It’s one of those small operational choices that makes the overall trip feel energetic rather than dragged-out.

Cleaning, filleting, and turning your catch into dinner

After fishing, the guide helps with cleaning and filleting your catch. This is one of those details people don’t always think about when they book a fishing tour, especially if they’re new to it. Here, you’re not left with a “good luck, see you later” plan.

Then comes the best part: a barbecue with the fish you caught. You’ll eat onboard, and the meal is served with coleslaw and potatoes. Alongside that, you’ll have coffee and sparkling water, which is a nice pair for the end of a cold, salty session.

One thing I’d highlight from the way this tour is experienced is how immediate the reward feels. People really value getting to eat the fish right away, rather than turning it into a takeaway project. If you catch a lot, it can even lead to more fish being cooked than your immediate group needs, which is a sign the day’s been productive.

What the atmosphere feels like: waves, gear, and the right kind of quiet

Faxaflói is not a theme park. You’re on a working sea route with real weather, real ocean motion, and real patience—just not too much of it. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, and the tour is built for everyone, not only those who fish every weekend.

When you’re waiting for bites, you’re also surrounded by ocean sound and fresh air. It’s a nice reset from Reykjavík’s streets. And when seabirds show up—gulls and possibly puffins—it gives you something to look at while you stay focused on your line.

If you like simple nature time, this hits the sweet spot. If you prefer action, the guided attention and the chance to move spots help keep energy up.

Who this tour fits best (and who may want to pick a different option)

This is a great match if you:

• want something active but not complicated
• are traveling as a couple, family, or small group
• enjoy food that’s directly connected to what you did that day
• want Iceland ocean scenery without committing to a full-day excursion

It’s also a solid choice for kids, since the activity stays guided and the reward is clear: fish, then BBQ.

Consider a different option if:

• you strongly dislike boat time or open-water weather
• you’re expecting a long, self-guided fishing adventure (this tour is guided and time-boxed)
• you want a tour that focuses more on sightseeing than fishing

Practical tips I’d follow for a smoother trip

You’ll be on the water, so your clothing matters more than you think. Even with warm blankets provided, you’ll feel wind and spray.

I’d pack or wear:

• a warm layer under your outer clothing
• gloves you can handle gripping the rod with
• a waterproof layer or jacket that blocks wind

And mentally, set your expectations for the natural rhythm of fishing. You’ll have guidance, but bites take time. The experience is designed to keep you moving and learning, not just waiting in silence.

Should you book Reykjavík’s Finest Catch with Viggson Sailing?

If you want a short, well-supported fishing experience with real Iceland ocean energy, I’d say this is worth it. The standout reasons are simple: the crew’s hands-on approach, the strong chance at catching fish in Reykjavík waters, and the satisfying payoff of eating a BBQ made from your catch.

Book it if you like practical adventures where you leave with stories and dinner. Skip it only if you know you don’t enjoy boat outings or you’re looking for a sightseeing-heavy day.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on the harbor at Hlésgata 1, between the Maritime Museum and the shipyard.

How will I recognize the guide?

Your guide will be wearing a black Viggson Sailing jacket or t-shirt, near the fish and chips wagon.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours total.

What happens before fishing?

You’ll take a 25-minute sightseeing cruise before you reach the fishing grounds.

How long do you fish?

You’ll have about 2 hours of guided fishing in Faxaflói.

What fish species can you catch?

In Reykjavík’s Faxaflói fishing grounds, you may catch cod, haddock, and pollock.

Is fishing gear provided?

Yes. The tour includes fishing gear, including rods, reels, and tackle.

What food is included?

After fishing, your catch is cleaned and filleted, then barbecued onboard. You’ll eat it with coleslaw and potatoes.

What drinks are included?

You’ll have coffee and sparkling water onboard.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide.

What is the cancellation and booking flexibility?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can use reserve now & pay later to keep plans flexible.