A Couple's Unexpected Evacuation From The Blue Lagoon Due To A Volcano Warning

Imagine enjoying a serene day at one of the world's most picturesque geothermal spas, only to find yourself in the midst of an emergency evacuation! This was the shocking reality for Florida residents Ale Kenney and her husband Andrew, who were visiting the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Just as they were settling into the tranquil waters, alarms rang out, prompting rapid action due to the looming threat of volcanic activity.

As they checked into the spa, a staff member warned them of the potential for an eruption, advising that if alarms sounded, they should gather their belongings and exit immediately. "We honestly thought it must be something they have to say every day, so we were totally shocked when the alarm went off," Ale shared. Her reaction captures the disbelief many visitors might feel when faced with such unexpected circumstances.

In a viral TikTok video that garnered over 9.3 million views, Ale documented the chaotic yet organized evacuation process. She captured footage of fellow guests leaving the attraction, along with striking images of smoke and lava erupting in the distance as they drove away. The couple, who were on a Royal Caribbean cruise that took them to various continents, expressed their gratitude for the professionalism of the Blue Lagoon staff during this alarming incident.

Table of Contents

• A couple's experience in the Blue Lagoon
• Details of the evacuation
• Understanding volcanic eruptions
• Why the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit
• Memorable experiences despite the chaos

A couple's experience in the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is known for its unique geothermal waters and stunning natural beauty. Ale and Andrew were excited to immerse themselves in this iconic destination. However, their experience quickly turned from relaxation to alarm as they received the evacuation warning. The couple had already spent a couple of hours enjoying the lagoon's soothing waters when the sirens blared.

Despite the sudden turn of events, Ale reflected positively on their time at the Blue Lagoon. "We had a wonderful experience before the alarms went off," she stated, highlighting the allure of the spa and its amenities. The couple's story exemplifies how quickly situations can change while traveling and the need for preparedness in emergency scenarios.

Details of the evacuation

When the evacuation alarm sounded, the Blue Lagoon staff acted swiftly and efficiently. Guests were instructed not to shower, but to gather their belongings and head to the parking lot immediately. Ale noted that the staff were handing out towels and providing clear directions without panicking, which helped keep the situation under control.

In total, the evacuation took about 30 minutes, with guests following the flow of traffic to exit the area. Ale and Andrew, along with their friends, managed to capture images of the eruption as they drove away, a stark reminder of the natural forces at play in Iceland.

Understanding volcanic eruptions

On August 22, a significant eruption occurred on the Reykjanes peninsula, marking the sixth eruption since December 2023. Iceland is home to 32 volcano systems, making it a hotspot for volcanic activity. In fact, the country has a history of eruptions that can affect air travel and local safety, which is why evacuation protocols are crucial.

The eruption began around 9:30 p.m. local time and was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanoes. Ale recalled how friends had joked moments before the siren sounded, illustrating how quickly things can escalate in areas prone to geological activity.

Why the Blue Lagoon is a must-visit

The Blue Lagoon is not only famous for its geothermal spa experience but also for its stunning surroundings and purported health benefits. The lagoon holds approximately 6 million liters of geothermal seawater, rich in minerals that are said to improve skin conditions. Many visitors flock to this iconic destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, making it a highlight of many Icelandic itineraries.

Despite the evacuation incident, Ale emphasized the value of their experience, stating, "We would highly recommend the Blue Lagoon." This sentiment is echoed by many who visit, as the beauty and tranquility of the lagoon often leave lasting impressions.

Memorable experiences despite the chaos

Even after the evacuation, Ale and Andrew were able to reflect positively on their experience at the Blue Lagoon. They appreciated the professionalism of the staff and the well-organized evacuation process, which allowed everyone to exit safely. The couple's ability to find joy in the chaos serves as a reminder to travelers to embrace unexpected experiences.

In the end, Ale's viral video not only documented their adventure but also sparked a discussion on the importance of safety measures in tourist attractions. As they returned to their cruise ship, Ale expressed her relief at being safe, stating, "I've never been so happy to be back on the boat." Their story highlights the balance between adventure and safety when traveling in areas with natural hazards.