Tourists in Iceland show how dangerous "sneaker waves" can be

By TravelWiseNov 18, 2023 15:18 PMNews
Share:
Tourists in Iceland show how dangerous "sneaker waves" can be
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.

Tourists in Iceland show how dangerous "sneaker waves" can be
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

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

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
Air Canada aircraft on the airport tarmac

Berlin Gets a Montréal Shortcut

Jul 5, 2026 20:47 PM
Forest and volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands

Canary Islands Test Tourist Donations

Jul 5, 2026 20:34 PM

easyJet Brings Budapest Back to Belfast

Jul 5, 2026 20:21 PM

Sardinia Blocks Tavolara Luxury Glamping Plan

Jul 5, 2026 20:18 PM
Apple AirTag box held in hand

AirTags Are Helping Lost Bags Come Back

Jul 5, 2026 20:05 PM
Wizz Air aircraft landing

Wrocław Gets Winter Sun and Ski Links

Jul 4, 2026 23:52 PM
Passenger at airport security screening

Vienna Airport Eases Bag Screening Rules

Jul 3, 2026 22:49 PM
Wildfire burning across hills at sunset

France Fires Disrupt Summer Trips

Jul 3, 2026 22:06 PM
White tourist accommodation building in Cyprus

Cyprus Hotels Face Licence Warning

Jul 3, 2026 21:53 PM

Cheap July Flights Out of East Midlands

Jul 3, 2026 21:47 PM

Ryanair Warns Austria After Graz Base Closure

Jul 3, 2026 21:34 PM
Dior spa treatment room at Grand Hotel Timeo

New Luxury Stays Are Coming to Italy

Jul 3, 2026 21:21 PM
Beachfront area with cabanas on Corfu’s northern coast

Meliá Picks Corfu for Its Next Luxury Stay

Jul 1, 2026 21:08 PM
Pool area at Mamula Island by Banyan Tree

Montenegro Turns Fort Mamula into a Hotel

Jul 1, 2026 02:15 AM
ScotRail train at a Glasgow station platform

ScotRail Expands Train Services for Glasgow Summer Sessions Concerts

Jun 30, 2026 22:52 PM

North London Bus Strike Ballot Could Disrupt Summer Travel

Jun 30, 2026 22:29 PM

Car Hire Extras Still Catch Travellers Out

Jun 30, 2026 21:26 PM
Close-up rendering of Sunborn yacht hotel entrance

A New Yacht Hotel Is Coming to London

Jun 30, 2026 21:13 PM
Passenger waiting with luggage in an airport terminal

Low-Cost Gatwick Asia Link Is Delayed

Jun 30, 2026 20:57 PM
Ryanair Pilot Representatives Challenge Management During Labour Talks

Ryanair Pilot Representatives Challenge Management During Labour Talks

Jun 30, 2026 05:14 AM
Total solar eclipse sequence against a dark sky

Valencia Eclipse Trips Open Up from East Midlands

Jun 30, 2026 05:01 AM
Italian flag waved during a public protest

Italy Airport Strikes Put Flights at Risk

Jun 30, 2026 04:48 AM

Bremen Adds Direct Bodrum Flights

Jun 29, 2026 22:35 PM

UK Weather to Turn Warmer Again After a Cooler Week

Jun 29, 2026 22:22 PM
Lightning storm over dark clouds

Thunderstorms Hit UK Airport Flights

Jun 29, 2026 21:49 PM
NS train at Amsterdam Central Station

Dutch Rail Pass Cuts Summer Train Costs

Jun 29, 2026 21:36 PM