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

Ryanair Drops Mandatory Family Seat Fee

Jun 28, 2026 22:43 PM

Senja Trips to Gain a Larger Hotel Base

Jun 28, 2026 22:37 PM

Nuremberg Opens Up for Christmas Trips

Jun 28, 2026 22:24 PM

Berlin Gets a New Beirut Link

Jun 28, 2026 22:11 PM

TUI Points to Cheaper Last-Minute Seats

Jun 28, 2026 22:08 PM

Corendon Adds Promo Code for Selected Crete Flights

Jun 27, 2026 23:15 PM

Gatwick Adds Qingdao for Summer

Jun 27, 2026 23:02 PM

Rome Airports May Pause EES Checks

Jun 27, 2026 22:59 PM

Italy Gets Four More IHG Hotels

Jun 27, 2026 22:46 PM

U.S. Bag Rechecks Start to Disappear

Jun 27, 2026 22:33 PM

Spain’s Paid Beach Shower Test Begins

Jun 26, 2026 22:57 PM

Scandic Go Arrives in Turku and Oulu

Jun 26, 2026 22:44 PM

Doge’s Palace Opens a Restored Venice Landmark

Jun 26, 2026 22:31 PM

Europe’s Biggest River Ship Gets a Danube Date

Jun 26, 2026 22:28 PM

easyJet Adds New UK Flights to Kittilä and Rovaniemi

Jun 26, 2026 22:15 PM

Bristol Travellers Get a Budapest Winter Route

Jun 26, 2026 22:02 PM

A New InterContinental Is Coming to the Algarve

Jun 25, 2026 21:49 PM

France and UK Heatwave Disrupts Major Tourist Sights

Jun 25, 2026 21:36 PM

UK Passport Rule Catches Dual Nationals

Jun 25, 2026 21:23 PM

Hot Cars Could Cost UK Drivers £110

Jun 25, 2026 06:57 AM

Bremen Puts 2027 Summer Flights on Sale

Jun 24, 2026 22:44 PM

Cagliari Adds Bordeaux and Nice Flights

Jun 24, 2026 22:31 PM

Eurostar Heatwave Cancellations Continue Thursday

Jun 24, 2026 22:28 PM

Ryanair Passengers Miss Athens Flight After Border Delays

Jun 24, 2026 22:15 PM

Bristol Airport Hit by Storm Disruption

Jun 23, 2026 23:42 PM

UK Rail Trips Hit by Heat Warning

Jun 23, 2026 23:39 PM