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

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

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News

Central Turin Gains New Accommodation Option in Historic Setting

Jul 7, 2025 23:29 PM

New Nonstop Route Links UAE and Southern Germany

Jul 7, 2025 19:33 PM

Italy Faces Rail Disruptions Amid Nationwide Strike in July

Jul 7, 2025 17:44 PM

Nonstop Flights Between Hanoi and Xi’an Make Cultural Journeys Easier for Travelers

Jul 7, 2025 16:27 PM

New Hotel Project Near Berliner Tor Set to Expand Hamburg Accommodation

Jul 7, 2025 15:51 PM

Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Jul 6, 2025 19:42 PM

Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Munich Offer Direct Access to Active Public Zones

Jul 6, 2025 17:35 PM

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM