Tarkwa Bay Beach sits on a barrier island inside Lagos Harbour, about 15 km from Lagos Island but reachable only by water, a 20-30 minute speedboat ride from Falomo Jetty in Ikoyi or from the Marina jetty on Lagos Island; there is no road access. The island beach is one of the closer sand escapes for Lagos residents, popular for swimming, bodyboarding, and casual surfing when the swell picks up, with informal beach shacks serving grilled fish, drinks, and snacks along the shoreline. A day trip typically starts with an early boat charter to reach the island before it gets crowded, followed by a day of swimming and beach time, lunch at one of the shacks, and views across the harbour of container ships queuing to enter the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. Weekends bring a livelier atmosphere with music and larger crowds, while weekdays are quieter. Food is limited to what the beach shacks prepare on site, mainly grilled fish, plantain, and cold drinks, so visitors should not expect a wide menu. The dry season from November to March brings calmer seas and less rainfall, making the boat crossing smoother and the beach more comfortable, while the rainy months between June and September can bring rougher water on the crossing.
| Distance | 15 km from Lagos Island (by boat) |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 20-30 minutes by speedboat from Falomo or Marina jetty |
| Getting there | Speedboat charter from Falomo Jetty or Marina; no road access |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Tarkwa Bay Island, Lagos Harbour, Lagos |
How to get there
- Speedboat charter from Falomo Jetty (Ikoyi)
- Speedboat charter from Marina jetty, Lagos Island
- Shared boat rides organized informally at the jetty on weekends
Weather through the year in Lagos
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Lagos.
Location
Tarkwa Bay Island, Lagos Harbour, Lagos
6.4009, 3.3811 View on map
Highlights
- Swimming and bodyboarding off the barrier island beach
- Beach shacks serving fresh grilled fish and drinks
- Views of container ships entering Lagos Harbour
- Weekend beach gatherings with music
- Speedboat crossing from Falomo Jetty
Tips for visiting
- Charter or share a speedboat at Falomo Jetty in Ikoyi
- Agree the return pick-up time with the boat operator before setting off
- Carry cash, as beach shacks do not accept cards
- Avoid swimming near the shipping channel used by harbour vessels
- Visit on a weekday for a quieter beach if avoiding crowds
When to visit
Best visited in the dry season from November to March when seas are calmer for the boat crossing; weekdays are quieter than the busier weekend beach scene.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Tarkwa Bay Beach?
The island has no road access, so visitors must charter or share a speedboat from Falomo Jetty in Ikoyi or the Marina jetty on Lagos Island.
Is Tarkwa Bay Beach safe for swimming?
The beach is generally safe for swimming close to shore, but visitors should stay clear of the shipping channel used by vessels entering Lagos Harbour.
Are there facilities on the beach?
Informal beach shacks sell grilled fish, snacks, and drinks, but there are no formal hotels or full-service restaurants on the island.