The principal island of the Ébrié Lagoon archipelago attached to Yopougon, about 11 km long and 3 km wide, with coconut groves, mangrove edges and white-sand lagoon beaches. The best known of them is the Baie des Milliardaires, where the water is clear and flat and access is exclusively by boat, which is what keeps it quiet.
Île Boulay is the principal island of the Ébrié Lagoon archipelago attached to the commune of Yopougon, roughly 11 km long and 3 km wide, ringed with coconut groves, mangrove edges and white-sand lagoon beaches. Unlike the Atlantic beaches around Abidjan, the sand here is genuinely white and the lagoon water is calm, flat and considerably clearer, with no ocean surf or rip currents. The best-known spot is the Baie des Milliardaires, prized for its clear, still water and kept quiet by the fact that it can only be reached by boat. Resorts and day-pass facilities, most notably Boulay Beach Resort, provide loungers, restaurants and beach bars along the shore, and jet skis and other lagoon watersports are available for hire. Inland, coconut groves and mangrove tracks offer short walking routes away from the beach itself. There is no road or bridge to the island: all access is by boat, either a shared pirogue from jetties in Zone 4 (Marcory) or Yopougon, a private speedboat charter, or Boulay Beach Resort's own boat from its dock for guests and day-pass holders. The crossing takes about 20-30 minutes. Île Boulay sits in the Ébrié Lagoon roughly 12 km from Le Plateau, and its combination of white sand, calm water and boat-only access makes it one of the more resort-like escapes close to Abidjan.
| Distance | About 12 km / 7.5 miles from Le Plateau across the lagoon |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | hard |
| Best season | December to February and August to September for calm crossings and dry island tracks |
| Address | Île Boulay, commune of Yopougon, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire |
Amenities
- White-sand lagoon beaches with calm, clear water and no ocean surf
- Resorts and day-pass facilities including Boulay Beach Resort
- Jet ski and lagoon watersports
- Restaurants and beach bars at the resorts
- Coconut groves and mangrove walking tracks inland
- Boat landing jetties — there is no road access to the island
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, couples, families, photographers
Location
Île Boulay, commune of Yopougon, Abidjan Autonomous District, Côte d'Ivoire
5.2960, -4.0790 View on map
Highlights
- White-sand lagoon beaches with calm, clear water and no ocean surf
- The exclusive Baie des Milliardaires, reachable only by boat
- Boulay Beach Resort offering day passes, loungers and overnight stays
- Coconut groves and mangrove walking tracks across the island
Tips for visiting
- Book a shared pirogue from Zone 4 or Yopougon to save on a private charter
- Arrange a day pass through Boulay Beach Resort in advance for pool and beach access
- Carry cash, since vendors on the island may not take cards
- Pack sun protection, as shade is limited beyond the resort grounds
When to visit
December to February and August to September give the calmest lagoon crossings and driest conditions on the island.
Accessibility
There is no step-free jetty access or beach wheelchairs; reaching the island requires boarding a boat, and the sand beaches are not adapted for mobility aids.
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Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Île Boulay?
Only by boat, from jetties in Zone 4 (Marcory) or Yopougon; there is no road or bridge to the island.
What is the Baie des Milliardaires?
It is the best-known lagoon beach on the island, prized for its clear, flat water and kept quiet by the fact that only boat access reaches it.
Can visitors stay overnight?
Yes, Boulay Beach Resort offers rooms and suites on the island in addition to day passes.
Is the lagoon water suitable for swimming?
Yes, the lagoon here is calm and clear with no ocean surf, unlike the Atlantic beaches around Abidjan.