The first time I visited Elegushi Beach on a Saturday afternoon, I knew Lagos beaches played by their own rules. As I stepped onto the sand, a wave of Afrobeats hit me before the ocean did. People danced near the shores, their laughter intertwining with the DJ’s playlist. One of the vendors cracked open a coconut with one swing of his machete. This was Lagos in its purest, most unfiltered form.
Over countless weekends exploring the coastline, I’ve discovered that each beach tells its own diverse story. Some with the calm whisper of lapping waves, others shout with the energy of a thousand party animals. Here’s the real guide to the best beaches in Lagos, the kind you won’t find in glossy brochures.
Best Beaches in Lagos
1. Elegushi Beach
2. Tarkwa Bay
3. La Campagne Tropicana
4. Oniru Beach
5. Eleko Beach
Best Beaches in Lagos
1. Elegushi Beach
There’s a reason Elegushi tops every beach list. By 2 pm on weekends, the transformation begins:
- Wooden speaker stands appear like magic
- The scent of grilling meat replaces the ocean breeze
- The first brave souls hit the jet skis
What They Don’t Tell You
The real action happens near the entrance, where local vendors serve the best suya. I learned this the hard way after paying triple the price at a “fancy” beach club.
Pro Tip: Arrive by noon to claim your spot. By 4 pm, finding space for your towel becomes an Olympic sport.
The Hidden Costs – That ₦1,500 entrance fee is just the beginning. Budget for:
- Lounge chairs (₦3,000-₦5,000 if you don’t negotiate)
- Jet ski rides (Start bargaining at ₦5,000 for 15 minutes)
- Food and drinks (Bring ₦10,000 minimum if you plan to eat well)
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays: 10 am-2 pm for peaceful relaxation
Weekends: Noon- 6 pm for the full party experience
2. Tarkwa Bay
The boat ride to Tarkwa Bay feels like entering another world. As the city skyline disappears, your phone signal does too, and that’s the beauty of it.
Last December, I watched a group of local kids teach a German tourist to surf. Their laughter carried across the water as he wobbled on the board. That’s Tarkwa in a nutshell: unpretentious, welcoming, and wonderfully disconnected.
Getting There
- Departure Point: Tarzan Jetty or Marina
- Boat Cost: ₦3,000-₦7,000 round-trip (depends on your bargaining skills)
- Best Boats: Look for the orange life jackets – safety first
What to Do
- Surfing lessons (₦2,000-₦5,000 per hour)
- Snorkeling (Bring your gear)
- Beach football (Just join a game – no one minds)
3. La Campagne Tropicana
I’ll never forget my first drumming lesson here. As the instructor placed my hands on the djembe, the ocean provided the rhythm section. This beach doesn’t just let you visit Nigeria – it lets you feel it.
Don’t forget to try out The Fisherman’s Feast. When they say it serves four, they mean four hungry construction workers. Come hungry.
Cultural Experiences
- Traditional dance performances (Free for guests)
- Canoe rides through mangroves (₦5,000 per group)
- Tie-dye workshops (Perfect for souvenirs)
Room Options
- Standard Rooms: From ₦35,000/night
- Beachfront Villas: From ₦80,000/night
- Day Pass: ₦15,000 (Includes lunch)
4. Oniru Beach
Oniru is where Lagos parents finally relax. The gentle slope of the shoreline means kids can play safely, while the beachfront restaurants mean no one has to cook.
Kid-Friendly Features
- Gradual water entry (No sudden drops)
- Clean restrooms (A rarity at Lagos beaches)
- Shaded areas (For nap time)
Best Food Options
- Bungalow Restaurant’s grilled prawns (₦8,000 portion feeds two)
- The coconut rice stands near the entrance
- Fresh fruit vendors (Negotiate to ₦500 per pineapple)
5. Eleko Beach
Eleko taught me the value of silence. Last month, I watched sunrise there with only a lone fisherman for company. We didn’t exchange words, just nodded as the sky turned pink.
Why It’s Special
- Miles of empty shoreline
- Affordable beach huts (₦3,000/day)
- Some of the best seashell collecting in Lagos
What to Bring
- Picnic supplies (No restaurants here)
- A good book (You’ll have time to read it)
- Camera (The light at golden hour is magical)
Transportation Tips
- To Elegushi: Use Uber or Bolt, but tell them “Elegushi Private Beach.”
- To Tarkwa Bay: Boats leave hourly from 9 am – don’t take the last one back
- To La Campagne: Book their shuttle service from VI (₦5,000 round-trip)
For your safety
- Leave flashy jewelry at home
- Only swim where locals are swimming
- Keep small bills separate from larger amounts
What’s in My Beach Bag:
- Waterproof phone case (₦3,000 at Computer Village)
- Microfiber towel (Dries faster than regular towels)
- Portable charger (For all those Instagram stories)
- Wet wipes (Trust me on this one)
The Best Beach for Every Mood
- Want to party? Elegushi on Saturday
- Need peace? Eleko on a weekday
- Craving culture? La Campagne anytime
- Family time? Oniru before 3 pm
- Adventure? Tarkwa Bay with friends
In Lagos, the beaches are not just about the sand or the water. It’s about:
- The fisherman who let me help pull in his net at Tarkwa Bay
- The grandmother at Elegushi, who taught me to eat a coconut properly
- The spontaneous dance party that broke out at Oniru last Christmas
They capture the spirit and energy of Lagos, which is sometimes chaotic, sometimes beautiful, but endlessly surprising, and it’s something you experience with all your senses.
No matter which beach you choose, remember:
- Arrive early
- Bargain politely but firmly
- Try at least one new food
- Put your phone away for at least an hour
The real magic happens when you stop observing and start participating. Dance with strangers. Try surfing. Try learning how to crack open a coconut. It’s at that moment you’ll understand why Lagos beaches are more than just pretty places that get people drawn.
Be prepared to chill, to unwind, and to feel the true energy of Lagos.
Which beach speaks to your soul? Share your stories below; the good, the bad, and any unforgettable moment.
