NIGERIA: Visit These Beaches In Lagos

For those who are big fan of the ocean or those dreaming of that weekend in a very serene environment that will link them directly with nature, Lagos is a most visit destination this year with several beaches from which to choose. Lagos state is blessed with Oceanic splendour and offers various beaches both private and public where you can have a special time out. Below are the best beaches in Lagos.

BAR BEACH
Bar beach is arguably the most popular beach in Lagos. Located on Ahmadu Bello way in Victoria Island, Bar beach known for its sand bars, extends from the west by the Institute of Oceanography all the way to Eko Hotel toward the east.

If you would like to take a walk by the ocean-side while enjoying the cool breeze, Bar Beach is the place to be. The beach is sandy without any plants or coconut trees.

Many activities are available for sports enthusiasts including horse back riding, swimming and football among other popular beach sports.

Though you may be tempted to jump into the water on a sunny day, swimming and surfing is seriously discouraged because of the strong churning currents of the sea.

Care should be taken though while at this beach as the waves are extremely strong.

TAKWA BAY
The Tarkwa Bay, which is an Island of about 20 minutes Boat cruise from the Lagos CMS Boat jetty, is a serene environment sparsely populated with friendly residents some of whom are fishermen.

The Tarkwa Bay Island affords one of easy access to the raging and boisterous waves of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the less aggressive water of the Lagos lagoon both of which gives a refreshing and recreational beach activies.

A sheltered beach within the harbour breakwater. It is easily accessible by boat from Tarzan Jetty at Maroko (N1000 per person) or under Falomo bridge on Victoria Island.

The beach is a pleasant outing and has safe bathing even for children. Deck chairs are available for hire and a variety of fruits (pineapples, coconuts, oranges and so on) to buy. Make sure you book your return time with the boat driver.

Tarkwa is a man made bay and beach created during the formation of the Lagos harbour. The beach was shaped by the moles used to form the inlet to the harbour and covered with sand dredged from the bottom of the channel. As a result the water is a lot calmer than the exposed Atlantic coastline elsewhere around Lagos.

The fine sand is also much more comfortable to walk and lie on than the coarse/sharp sand of the other beaches. With its own resident community, most of whom make their living from the tourists who visit the beach, this is the only “maintained” beach in Lagos with the beach hands cleaning up the garbage every weekend before the influx of tourists.

Also given the fact that it is cut off from the main habitations of Lagos by water and is therefore only accessible by boat, this makes it a beach for real beach bums and sun worshippers, in contrast to the other “bums and worshippers” that flock to the Bar Beach.

It is also possible to surf in a corner of Tarkwa Bay and other water sports such as Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are fairly common, although don’t expect to find equipment there to rent!

Make friends with the local nautical elites so you can use their water sports equipment. Tarkwa Bay is a short speedboat trip from Lagos. It’s the perfect place to spend your Sunday.

The beach is crescent shaped and has deckchairs all along you can rent. Once seated, you can be served a big bottle of Star beer or suya or spliff while gazing out onto the tropical horizon.

ATICAN BEACH
Atican Beach Resort is a beautiful relaxation spot and private beach located on the axis of Lagos-Epe Expressway. It is one of the few well managed beaches, which lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos. The resort was privately built based on the inspiration of making Lagos a vibrant Tourism attraction.

Its white pristine sand, clean beach environment, Lodging and restaurant makes it one of the best place for family relaxation, parties and corporate functions. Since its existence, it has been the haven for Lagos citizens. At the Atican Beach Resort, you can host a private party for your friends, family, work group. Tourists can also meet the locals there and expand their network.

The beach is on Abraham Adesanya Road, Okun, Ajah Lagos. Every friday tourists are trilled to evening live music provided by their in house live Band. Its an opportunity to have cool fun at the Beach side. At Atican Beach Resort , the children have a private play ground provided for them with opportunity to go horse riding. Kids are guaranteed of their own fun moments.

ELEKO BEACH
This is one of the most serene and clean beaches in Lagos, a big 60km trip east of the city. This beach is frequently visited by local families and fun seekers looking for some quieteness. Eleko Beach offers sporting activities for everyone.

The atmosphere is relaxed and rejuvenating for beach combers of all types. A N500 fee is charged at the entrance to the beach which is less than what is charged at Elegushi Beach.

You can rent a beach hut for the day here, and get someone to make a barbeque for you. There’s also a small market selling interesting art. You’ll need to hire a drop taxi to get there.

ELEGUSHI BEACH
Elegushi Beach is a hot, sandy, beautiful oasis located at Ikate Elegbushi bus stop, a 2km drive from the Lekki toll off Lekki/ Epe Express way.

Though it is not the cleanest of beaches, it remains one of the most patronized beaches in Lagos. Elegushi is a private beach and offers a mix of music, food and beautiful scenery of the water.