Lagos is Nigeria's coastal megacity and West Africa's largest metropolis, a sprawling lagoon-side sprawl of islands and mainland districts that serves as the country's commercial, cultural, and entertainment capital. Spread across Lagos Island, Victoria Island, Ikeja, and dozens of mainland neighborhoods, Lagos is the beating heart of Afrobeats music, Nollywood film, West African fashion, and a fast-growing tech scene, all layered over historic markets, colonial-era streets, and Atlantic beaches.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Lagos.
-
- boat jetty landing
- beach cabanas/shacks for rent
- food and drink vendors
- sheltered swimming waters
- no road access - water only
Tarkwa Bay Beach
Editor’s tip. Book a return boat time with the boatman before setting off, as informal jetties do not run fixed schedules
-
- beach clubs and lounges
- jet ski rental
- horseback riding
- beach volleyball courts
- food and drink vendors
- parking
Elegushi Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before noon on weekends to secure parking, which fills fast
-
- gated private beach access
- beach loungers
- restaurants and bars
- jet ski and boat rental
- event/concert space
- parking
Landmark Beach
Editor’s tip. Check the events calendar before visiting, as concerts can change the crowd and entry price sharply
-
- beach shacks and canopies
- local food vendors
- football/volleyball on sand
- motorcycle/okada access from expressway
Alpha Beach
Editor’s tip. Swim with caution, as there is no lifeguard and the open Atlantic surf can be strong
-
- open sand for events and concerts
- food and drink stalls during events
- adjacent beach clubs
- parking within Oniru Estate
Oniru Beach
Editor’s tip. Check event listings before visiting, since the beach's character changes completely during concerts
-
- quiet undeveloped shoreline
- a few local food shacks
- horseback riding (seasonal)
- limited parking
Eleko Beach
Editor’s tip. Plan for a sixty-to-ninety-minute drive each way and budget a full day for the trip
-
- resort-managed beachfront
- canoe rides on the lagoon
- restaurant on site
- chalet accommodation nearby
- parking
Whispering Palms Beach
Editor’s tip. Plan for a seventy-five-to-hundred-minute drive from Lagos Island and consider an overnight chalet stay to make the most of the trip
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Lagos’s coast.
How do visitors reach Tarkwa Bay Beach?
The beach has no road access, so visitors must take a boat from the CMS, Marina, Falomo, or Victoria Island jetties, a crossing of about fifteen to thirty minutes.
From the Tarkwa Bay Beach editorial.
Is Tarkwa Bay Beach good for swimming?
Yes, the harbour breakwater shelters the water, making it calmer and clearer than most Lagos beaches and generally suitable for casual swimming.
From the Tarkwa Bay Beach editorial.
Is Elegushi Beach good for swimming?
The open Atlantic surf can be moderate to strong, so casual swimmers are best staying close to shore, ideally near a monitored club section.
From the Elegushi Beach editorial.
Do visitors need to pay to enter Elegushi Beach?
The open beach is free, but most of the developed club and lounge areas charge an entry fee or require a minimum spend.
From the Elegushi Beach editorial.
Is there an entry fee for Landmark Beach?
Yes, the beach is gated and privately managed, and visitors pay an entry fee, which can rise substantially during concerts or festivals.
From the Landmark Beach editorial.
Is Landmark Beach suitable for families?
Yes, on non-event days it is one of the calmer, more managed beach options in Victoria Island, with designated swimming areas and on-site facilities.
From the Landmark Beach editorial.
Is Alpha Beach safe for swimming?
There is no lifeguard on duty and the open Atlantic surf can be strong, so swimmers should stay close to shore and exercise caution.
From the Alpha Beach editorial.
How do visitors get to Alpha Beach?
Most visitors arrive by okada motorcycle taxi directly off the Lekki-Epe Expressway, or by driving and parking informally nearby.
From the Alpha Beach editorial.