Tourists in Iceland show how dangerous "sneaker waves" can be

By TravelWiseNov 18, 2023 15:18 PMNews
Share:
Tourists in Iceland were almost washed away into the open ocean. Source: TikTok screenshot

A powerful wave nearly washed tourists into the open ocean while they were admiring the water and filming a video on the popular Icelandic beach of Reynisfjörður. People had no idea that a so-called "sneaker wave" was approaching them.

The term refers to a stream of water that soaks your feet, even though it looks safe from a distance. The video appeared on TikTok and quickly went viral.

The camera captured tourists slowly approaching the water on the famous black sand beach. This is one of the most dangerous places in Iceland, where it is advised not to turn your back on the water.

Although the weather was windy, the travellers and the cameraman did not expect how close the water could get. This is the danger of "sneaker waves".

The tourists seemed to be at a safe distance and their friend was even further away when a small but powerful wave began to rapidly approach them.

The heroes of the video realized this too late and did not have time to escape. The video shows how the water knocks one tourist down and pulls him back.

The heroes of the video did not have time to escape from the wave. Source: TikTok screenshot
The heroes of the video did not have time to escape from the wave. Source: TikTok screenshot

Everyone managed to avoid more serious consequences than wet clothes, but other travellers should be careful.

Such treacherous waves look safe, but weak people who stand too close can be swept out into the open ocean, where they will have to fight for survival, which is difficult to do in clothes.

Top Articles

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News

Hyatt’s First UK JdV Hotel Is Coming to Oxfordshire

Sep 12, 2026 00:22 AM

Transavia’s Summer 2027 Shake-Up Brings Seven Route Changes

Sep 12, 2026 00:19 AM

Ryanair Boss Challenges ‘Sucked Out’ Window Claim

Sep 12, 2026 00:06 AM

Airbnb Rentals Could Face New Limits in EU Hotspots

Sep 11, 2026 23:53 PM

Ryanair Names Five Sweden Routes for Winter

Sep 11, 2026 23:07 PM

Missed LaplandUK Tickets? Final 2026 Release Lands Tomorrow

Sep 10, 2026 23:24 PM

Riviera Opens 2028 River Cruises — Here’s What’s Included

Sep 10, 2026 23:11 PM

Stockholm Gets More Direct Cairo Flights This Winter

Sep 10, 2026 23:08 PM

Dubai Flights Return from Seven European Cities This Winter

Sep 10, 2026 22:55 PM

Gatwick Strike Could Disrupt Flights for Nine Days

Sep 10, 2026 22:42 PM

Flying via Shannon This Weekend? Expect Traffic and ID Checks

Sep 9, 2026 21:39 PM

Star Wars Fans Get a New George Lucas Museum

Sep 9, 2026 21:26 PM

Munich Airport Starts Oktoberfest Events Before the Tents Open

Sep 9, 2026 21:13 PM

Athens Becomes Easier to Reach From Rotterdam

Sep 9, 2026 21:07 PM

Visitors Could Face £1-a-Night Levy in York and North Yorkshire

Sep 9, 2026 20:54 PM

New York Returns to Düsseldorf With All-Business Flights

Sep 8, 2026 23:01 PM

Samos Gets a New Seafront Hotel With a 13+ Rule

Sep 7, 2026 22:48 PM

Krakatau Ash Keeps Seven Indonesian Airports Closed

Sep 7, 2026 22:35 PM

Spain Extends Border Checks for Italy Arrivals

Sep 7, 2026 22:22 PM

Scotland’s West Highland Line Faces Nine-Day Closure

Sep 6, 2026 20:09 PM

A New 120-Mile Trail Is About to Open Across Cumbria

Sep 6, 2026 19:56 PM

Europe Border Checks Could Get Slower After 6 September

Sep 5, 2026 09:53 AM

Ryanair Keeps Košice–Málaga Flying Through Winter

Sep 5, 2026 09:47 AM

Frecciarossa Trains Could Link Italy and Munich in 2027

Sep 5, 2026 09:34 AM

LOT Launches Warsaw–Turin Flights for Ski Season

Sep 5, 2026 09:21 AM

easyJet Restarts Hamburg–Geneva Flights After Six-Year Gap

Sep 5, 2026 09:18 AM