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

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News

Arctic Cold Disrupts Irish Air Travel as Delays Spread Across Europe

Jan 4, 2026 05:38 AM

Summer 2026 Routes Open New Holiday Choices at Glasgow Prestwick

Jan 4, 2026 03:37 AM

Snowfall Triggers Winter Operations at Luxembourg Airport

Jan 4, 2026 02:37 AM

KLM Cancels Caribbean Flights as Venezuela Airspace Disruption Spreads

Jan 4, 2026 01:37 AM

Pilot Removed from Air India Flight After Failing Alcohol Checks

Jan 4, 2026 00:47 AM

Winter Storm Disrupts Zurich and Geneva Flights as Delays Build Across Europe

Jan 3, 2026 06:33 AM

Bristol Airport to Raise Drop-Off and Short-Stay Charges in January 2026

Jan 3, 2026 03:04 AM

Snow and Strong Winds Disrupt UK–Amsterdam Flights

Jan 3, 2026 02:34 AM

Evening Bag Drop Option Added for Early easyJet Flights at Birmingham

Jan 3, 2026 00:33 AM

Several Royal Brunei flights delayed on 2 January

Jan 2, 2026 23:30 PM

Sleeping on Another Planet: Inside Utah’s Story-Driven Desert Retreat

Jan 2, 2026 03:32 AM

African-Inspired Menus Added to Brussels Airlines Long-Haul Flights in 2026

Jan 2, 2026 02:15 AM

Year-End Flight Delays Disrupt European Travel as Hubs Struggle on 31 December

Jan 2, 2026 01:24 AM

Emirates Urges Early Airport Arrival Ahead of January Travel Surge

Dec 31, 2025 23:36 PM

Lapland Airports Prepare for Gradual Rollout of EU Entry/Exit System

Dec 31, 2025 23:16 PM

Weather Warnings Trigger Free Flight Changes Across UK and Ireland

Dec 31, 2025 22:17 PM

Holiday Journeys Complicated by Severe Snow in Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship

Dec 31, 2025 21:37 PM

Europe’s Rail Network Adds Five New Routes in 2026

Dec 31, 2025 21:07 PM

Great British Rail Sale Returns with Millions of Discounted Fares in Early 2026

Dec 31, 2025 20:38 PM

Ryanair Lists Five Cities Seeing Strong Demand for Travel in 2026

Dec 31, 2025 20:05 PM

Asiana Airlines to Dispose of Fire-Risk Items Found During Travel from 2026

Dec 31, 2025 09:36 AM

China Eastern to Close Fuzhou Ticket Office as Sales Shift Online

Dec 31, 2025 08:12 AM

The Farm at San Benito Joins Autograph Collection as Brand Enters the Philippines

Dec 31, 2025 05:36 AM

China Eastern Expands Free Inflight Wi-Fi Across Domestic Widebody Fleet

Dec 31, 2025 03:09 AM

Air India Connects the Baltics with Its European Network via airBaltic

Dec 31, 2025 00:35 AM

New Year Travel Disruption Spreads Across UK and Europe

Dec 30, 2025 22:45 PM