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

Quiet Space Lands at Leeds Bradford Airport

Feb 12, 2026 16:04 PM

Midnight Departures Put Dalaman Closer to Manchester

Feb 12, 2026 15:55 PM

Liverpool Street Expansion Finally Approved After Years of Debate

Feb 12, 2026 15:42 PM

Glasgow–Hanover Flights Return for Summer 2026

Feb 12, 2026 15:39 PM

London–Kuala Lumpur Returns to Gatwick After 14 Years

Feb 12, 2026 02:56 AM

Salzburg’s Summer Flights Get a 2026 Refresh

Feb 12, 2026 02:43 AM

1930s Glamour Rolls Back on the Rails This Summer

Feb 12, 2026 02:37 AM

Stockholm Gains a Fresh Eastern Europe Link

Feb 12, 2026 02:24 AM

Italy Braces for Nationwide Aviation Strike on 16 February

Feb 11, 2026 20:41 PM

Cuba Flights Halted as Fuel Shortage Disrupts Winter Plans

Feb 11, 2026 20:38 PM

Iberia Tightens Luggage Checks With New Fines at Airports

Feb 11, 2026 19:05 PM

Frankfurt Gets a New Short-Haul Player

Feb 11, 2026 18:42 PM

Ryanair Flags OTA Price Gaps in February Survey

Feb 11, 2026 18:39 PM

Wizz Air Rolls Out Extra Space Without Changing Its Cabin

Feb 11, 2026 14:06 PM

Winter Trips Can Fail Before Take-off

Feb 11, 2026 10:43 AM

Paris–New York Gets Busier in Summer 2026

Feb 11, 2026 10:37 AM

WestJet Adds New Domestic Links as Summer 2026 Network Grows

Feb 11, 2026 10:24 AM

Spain’s Rail Strike Ends Early as Services Resume Nationwide

Feb 11, 2026 10:11 AM

Zurich Airport Becomes a Dancefloor

Feb 10, 2026 08:08 AM

Lisbon’s New Airport Project Moves Forward After Decades

Feb 10, 2026 07:55 AM

Berlin–Antalya Flights Return With a Valentine’s Giveaway

Feb 10, 2026 07:42 AM

Katowice Gets a New Adriatic Link for Summer

Feb 9, 2026 22:59 PM

Why Families Keep Booking Emirates Economy

Feb 9, 2026 22:46 PM

Condor Adds a Winter Detour to Southern China

Feb 9, 2026 22:33 PM

EU border checks go digital with new travel app

Feb 8, 2026 17:27 PM

Aer Lingus tightens ID rules on UK flights

Feb 8, 2026 17:04 PM