Experience the beauty of Lagos's crystal clear waters and white sandy shores at these top-rated beaches.
Simeon is a Senior Editor at Tozome, an amateur wine connoisseur, and a mediocre Tennis player.
Lagos, Nigeria is known as the “city of aquatic splendor,” a recognition of the numerous beaches, lakes, lagoons, and islands that can be found along its 853 km (or 530 miles) coastline. Despite the hustle and bustle of the city, the coast provides a respite and a chance to escape it all. When you need a break from the city, the beaches offer a place to have fun, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the waves.
In recent years, the Lagos hospitality sector has seen a surge in investment, leading to the opening of more private beaches, beach clubs, and resorts. These beaches often have a range of leisure activities available and attract both locals and expatriates. Kitesurfing, beach soccer, and partying are all now possible.
Whether on Lagos Island or the Mainland, the beaches are in different corridors, in areas such as Badagry, Ibeju-Lekki, and Okun-Ajah. Some are standalone, while others are part of larger, more well-known destinations.
Horseback riding is a common activity at many of them, and music is often played, especially on weekends. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, and lounges to choose from. The cost of admission to a beach typically ranges from 1000 to 4000 Nigerian Naira, the equivalent of $2 – $9. So, if you’re looking to enjoy the water and have a good time, these are some of the best beaches in Lagos to visit.
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Photo: Nsikak Ekong/Dreamstime
Tarkwa Bay is a well-known beach in Lagos, popular among both beginner and experienced surfers. It can be accessed by boat from Falomo’s Five Cowries terminal (a journey of about 20 minutes) or from various private jetties on Lagos Island. The local community at Tarkwa Bay is actively involved in its management and maintenance, both as vendors and through efforts to keep the beach clean. In recent times, Tarkwa Bay has also become a popular spot for camping. From the beach, you can enjoy stunning views of the city, including the distinctive towers of Eko Atlantic.
Photo: Nsikak Ekong/Dreamstime
Located on Abraham Adesanya Road in Okun, Ajah, Atican is a private beach known for its white sand and clean environment. As one of the more remote beaches in Lagos, it tends to be less crowded than others. While entertainment options may be limited, the beach provides a peaceful and quiet setting for relaxation or work, making it a great choice for digital nomads.
Atican Beach has amenities such as a children’s play area, swimming pools, and overnight accommodations. A restaurant and bar are also available, serving Nigerian delicacies such as Suya, a spicy meat skewer. Keep in mind that the beach is a bit of a distance from the Lekki and Ajah Axes, and traffic in Lagos can be heavy, so it’s best to allow plenty of time for travel.
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Landmark Beach is a large beach divided into several areas of Plot 3 & 4 Water Corporation Road in Victoria Island. Tricycles are available near the entrance to transport guests to any part of the beach they wish to spend their time. You can also check out several beach clubs, such as Lagos Beach Club or Island Breeze, which have swimming pools and in-house bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, visitors can lounge on the sand or relax in cabanas of different sizes. For those looking for more active options, there are football pitches, basketball and volleyball courts, an amusement park, and games for children. At the Vitality Sports & Leisure space, visitors can play golf on two mini-courses.
Photo: Abiodun A
Honeyland is a lesser-known beach in Lagos that offers a unique African atmosphere and is a popular destination for eco-tourism. At Honeyland, you can choose to relax at the main bar or the beach side bar, where you can watch fishermen in dugout canoes catch shrimp out on the sea. The African restaurant at Honeyland serves a variety of delicious dishes, and there is no charge for entry, though there is a fee for using the pool.
Here are all your hotel options in Lagos.
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Located in Ibeju-Lekku and accessible from Lekki Epe Expressway, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort is not only one of the best beaches in Lagos, but also the entire continent of Africa. Covering around 60 acres on the Atlantic Ocean coast and surrounded by coconut trees bordered by a lagoon and mangrove forest, La Campagne Tropicana is the perfect place to escape and experience authentic African culture.
At the resort, you’ll be able to enjoy a palm wine bar, bonfire arena, mat-draped tents, and thatch-roofed cabanas. On-land activities like ball sports and board games are available for free, while water sports like kayaking and jet-skiing are offered at an additional cost and take place at the lagoon. The rooms at the resort are designed to showcase African interior designs and décor.
Photo: Barracuda Beach/Facebook
On a typical Saturday morning as early as 10 am, Barracuda beach is already bustling with happy crowds. One popular spot for visitors is the “free zone,” an area with free seating under a row of coconut trees, which is often visited by families who want to save money for other attractions. Along with the free seating, guests can also enjoy free games, such as beach soccer and handball, as well as participate in activities like tug-of-war and sac racing.
Barracuda beach is one of the few beaches along the Okun Ajah corridor that has retained its coconut plantation. Which can be seen as you walk through a canopy of coconut trees on the way to the beachfront.
Photo: Alucardion/Shutterstock
The Elegushi Beach corridor is filled with bars and lounges that are popular among fun-seekers on weekends. To get a good view of the waves, sit at the front of the cabins, which also offer a shoreline view of horses running back and forth. During the week, the beach attracts people wanting to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Occasionally, small groups of people gather to pray. On Friday afternoons, before the crowds arrive for the weekend, the grounds in front of the Elegushi Central Mosque (Annex) are used as a prayer area.
Tip: Elegushi Beach is usually very busy, especially during weekends and public holidays.
Photo: Nsikak Ekong/Dreamstime
Whispering Palms beach resort is located in Adijo town, Badagry. It can be reached by road, which may take three to four hours depending on your location in Lagos, or by boat or ferry from Fiki Jetty at Ozumba Mbadiwe in Victoria Island or Tarzan Jetty at Maroko-Foreshore, located opposite Maroko Police Station on Lekki-Epe Expressway. Nearby attractions to visit include the Badagry Heritage Museum, the Town of Badagry First Storey Building, and the historical Point of No Return slave route.
Whispering Palms also has an airport shuttle service that can be requested by guests; as well as a 24-hour fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge among other amenities. However, it is worth noting that if you want to purchase or rent items like huts, chairs, or umbrellas at the resort, they tend to be overpriced so you might want to bring your own.
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Oniru Private Beach is owned and managed by the Oniru Royal family and is considered one of the most popular beaches in the city. The beach is conveniently located at the end of Ligali Ayorinde Street in Victoria Island, a mere 20-40 minute drive from the mainland or a short five-minute drive from Lekki Phase One. The beach is generally clean and quiet during the morning and afternoon but can become crowded and lively in the evenings and on weekends.
Photo: Blessing Ekundayo/Wikimedia Commons
Eleko Beach can be found on Eleko Beach Road, which is a short drive from Lekki Phase 1. Despite being a public beach, Eleko is relatively clean and less crowded than other beaches in the area. guests can participate in activities such as horse riding, sports, and kayaking.
The beach also has food options including grilled seafood and fresh coconut juice, as well as bamboo huts where you can relax with some shuteye. You can also purchase souvenirs in the local art market just a short walk away from the beachfront.
Lagos is a paradise for beachgoers, with its array of stunning beaches that cater to all types of travelers. From the serene Tarkwa Bay to the lively Whispering Palms, these 10 beaches are sure to satisfy anyone looking for a bit of sun, sand, and sea. Whether you’re seeking peace and solitude or a party atmosphere, there’s a beach in Lagos for you.
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