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

Salzburg Adds Three Cultural Stops Beyond Mozart

Oct 4, 2026 23:47 PM

Oceania Highlights 17 Mediterranean Winter Cruises for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 23:34 PM

Hilton Plans 199-Room Hotel Beside Munich’s New Arena

Oct 4, 2026 23:21 PM

Bratislava Expands Africa Network to Five Countries

Oct 4, 2026 23:19 PM

SunExpress Adds Direct Leipzig–Dalaman Flights

Oct 4, 2026 22:26 PM

Jet2 Releases 82 Winter City Routes for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 21:53 PM

UK Moves to Scrap Family Seating and Name-Change Fees

Oct 4, 2026 21:48 PM

Flydubai Axe Attack Leaves Tel Aviv Route Suspended

Oct 4, 2026 21:35 PM

New 50ml Vape Limit Could Catch Travellers Out

Oct 3, 2026 22:52 PM

UK Beaches Reopen to Dogs After Summer Bans

Oct 3, 2026 22:47 PM

Helsinki Lands a New Daily Dubai Connection

Oct 2, 2026 23:24 PM

Bratislava Gets First Direct Charter to Kenya

Oct 2, 2026 23:11 PM

Deer Crash Risk Peaks on UK Roads This Autumn

Oct 1, 2026 22:29 PM

SNCF Opens Christmas Bookings for France and Europe

Oct 1, 2026 22:16 PM

Air Serbia Adds New Route to Seville

Sep 30, 2026 23:13 PM

More London Trains Return as EMR Restores Key Services

Sep 30, 2026 23:08 PM

Eurowings Opens New Winter Routes to Lapland, Italy and the Middle East

Sep 30, 2026 22:55 PM

New 67-Room Luxury Hotel Coming Near Madrid’s Gran Vía

Sep 30, 2026 21:12 PM

East Midlands Airport Drop-Off Jumps to £8 for 10 Minutes

Sep 30, 2026 00:17 AM

England Keeps National Museums Free for Overseas Visitors

Sep 30, 2026 00:04 AM

10 October Sun Escapes From Manchester From £46 Return

Sep 29, 2026 23:51 PM

No Passport, No Ferry on Key Britain–Ireland Routes

Sep 29, 2026 23:49 PM

Bangkok Floods Trigger UK Travel Warning as Flights Disrupted

Sep 29, 2026 23:36 PM

Butlin’s Turns Three UK Resorts Into Halloween Scaregrounds

Sep 29, 2026 23:23 PM

World’s First Minecraft Hotel Is Coming to the UK

Sep 28, 2026 20:08 PM

Finnair to Run Up to Three Tokyo Flights a Day in Summer 2027

Sep 27, 2026 00:05 AM