With over 180 kilometers of coastline, Lagos is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa. The Atlantic Ocean washes numerous stunning stretches of sand that offer visitors plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
From the popular urban beaches of Victoria Island to the more remote natural escapes across the many islands that make up the Lagos area, there are myriad spectacular spots to lay out your towel and soak up the sun and sea air. Whether you want to party with the crowds or find a peaceful patch of paradise, Lagos has a beach that will satisfy you.
In this blog post, we count down the top 10 beaches in Lagos that you simply must visit. There are amenities and activities galore at these gorgeous destinations hugging the shores of the Atlantic. Read on for the inside scoop on the best spots to soak in the surf and sun during your stay in this vibrant city.
Best Beaches In Lagos
1. Elegushi Beach
Kicking off our list is Elegushi Beach, located along the Lekki-Epe Expressway on the Lekki Peninsula. Situated close to Ikoyi Island and Victoria Island, this beach is easily accessible for those staying in the city center.
Elegushi is a popular spot with both locals and tourists. On weekends, you’ll find the sands packed with sunbathers, while vendors wander selling snacks and drinks to beachgoers soaking up the sun and surf. The atmosphere here is lively and energetic.
Small beach restaurants and bars provide refreshments when you need a break from the sun and sand. At night, parties heat up at Elegushi, especially during summertime. With a festive vibe and plenty of activities, this is a great urban beach option near the heart of Lagos.
2. Atican Beach
For a more laid-back vibe, head to Atican Beach on Lagos Island. This tranquil beach provides a relaxing atmosphere away from the crowds. Lined by palm trees, Atican Beach feels like an escape from the hectic pace of Lagos.
You can bring your food and drinks or purchase barbecue and refreshments from local vendors roaming the sands. This is a great spot to play beach volleyball, frisbee, or soccer with friends or family.
Atican Beach provides a tranquil ambiance without crowds and commercialism. Pack a picnic lunch, bring a book, and unwind in this relaxed, natural setting during your trip to Lagos.
3. Eleko Beach
Traveling about 30 kilometers outside central Lagos brings you to the gorgeous Eleko Beach, located just before the border with Ogun State. This remote beach is off the beaten path from the city’s tourist crowds, making it a hidden gem.
Eleko Beach is part of tribal land, and some structures along the sand remind you of its native history. Reaching this isolated beach requires driving down uneven dirt roads, which keeps the crowds away.
The scenic beach is lined with graceful coconut palm trees that provide patches of shade from the bright sun. The fine sand is clean and unspoiled since relatively few visitors make the journey here.
Eleko Beach is an excellent spot for swimming, surfing, and lounging in serenity. The rush of waves can be heard as you relax and soak up the views. Buy fresh coconuts and other refreshments from local vendors near the shore.
4. Oniru Beach
Located on Victoria Island along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Oniru Beach provides scenic shores within easy reach of Lagos’ urban attractions. The beachfront here is lined with upscale homes, hotels, and shopping centers that cater to tourists and residents.
Amenities like parking, restrooms, changing facilities, and outdoor showers make spending a day here very convenient. Vendors are on hand to provide beach chairs, umbrellas, food, and all sorts of refreshments for sale.
Oniru Beach is a popular spot for swimming, people-watching, and strolling the sandy shores. The ocean waters are generally calm, with larger waves sometimes bringing out surfers and boogie boarders.
Oniru Beach provides the convenience of a lively urban beach scene while offering natural coastal beauty and access to the ocean. Stop by for a refreshing dip in the sea and stick around to experience Lagos’ exciting beach club culture as the sun goes down. With amenities galore, Oniru Beach makes for an easy and enjoyable day by the water.
5. Alpha Beach
Boasting sweeping ocean vistas, soft golden sand, and rows of towering palm trees, Alpha Beach ranks as one of Lagos’ most scenic and peaceful public beaches. It stretches over a kilometer along the coastline of Lekki Phase 1.
Relaxation is the name of the game at Alpha Beach. Come here to sunbathe, read a book, or nap in the shade of the palm trees as a gentle sea breeze blows over the shore. The mood here is restful and mellow.
Families often picnic on the sand, while kids can splash about safely in the shallow waters. When you need a break from the sun, there are wooden gazebos offering relief in the shade. Vendors sell refreshments like fresh coconut water if you don’t pack your snacks and drinks.
Alpha Beach provides the chance to experience the beauty of Lagos’ shoreline in a relaxed setting away from the city’s crowds and bustle. Spend a serene day swimming, unwinding on the sand, and admiring sweeping views of the Atlantic at this must-visit coastal gem.
6. Lekki Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the Lekki Peninsula is the aptly named Lekki Beach, set near the Lekki Conservation Center. Daytime activities abound on this pretty stretch of shoreline that caters to locals and tourists alike.
Swimming areas with nets allow for safe and contained swimming along the beach. There are changing facilities and restrooms for convenience as well. Beach umbrellas and chairs can be rented if you don’t want to just plop down in the sand.
Hungry beachgoers can choose from an array of food options like grilled skewers, fresh coconuts, and roasted corn for sale by street vendors patrolling the area. Ice cream and cold drinks provide the perfect cool refreshment after time in the sun and surfing.
With amenities, refreshments, watersports, and evening entertainment, Lekki Beach makes for an excellent option when looking for an energetic urban beach getaway near Lagos. Spend the day bronzing on the sand before letting loose and dancing the night away under the stars.
Also, Read 10 Best Private Cinemas In Lagos
7. Tarkwa Bay Beach
Accessed only by boat from Lagos Island, the remote Tarkwa Bay Beach provides a tropical island feel just a short trip from the city. Upon arrival by water taxi, you’ll feel far from bustling Lagos.
The golden sands and calm waters attract swimmers, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts escaping for a day of beach bliss. After working on your tan, you can snorkel or scuba dive around the protected bay, which is home to diverse marine life. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing are also popular activities.
Beach cabanas and thatched-roof huts line the sand, serving up cold drinks, grilled food, and sweet frozen treats once you work up an appetite. Reggae music drifts from the rustic bars and amenities built along the palm tree-lined shore.
With no roads leading here, the mood at Tarkwa Bay Beach is decidedly laidback and tranquil. Savor the feeling of seclusion as you spend a day filled with swimming, lounging on the sand, sipping beach cocktails, and exploring the underwater sights.
As the sun sets, stick around for a beach bonfire under the stars, which is a common nighttime activity here. Tarkwa Bay Beach provides an intoxicating taste of island life without even leaving Lagos. Just be sure to schedule a return boat ride so you don’t miss the last water taxi back.
8. Bar Beach
Despite its name, Bar Beach along Victoria Island no longer has bars lined up along the sand. This longtime hotspot has gotten a makeover in recent years but still retains its popularity for offering scenic shorelines and views.
Previously dotted with shacks serving drinks and blaring music, Bar Beach now has a more serene, sustainable look after undergoing development. While no longer home to raucous parties, the beach today features landscaped green spaces and walking paths bordering the clean sands.
Residents and visitors still flock to Bar Beach to soak up the stunning sights along Lagos’ coast. Watching the drawbridge at nearby Kuramo Waters open and close for boats is a favorite activity. Surfers ride the swells further offshore as swimmers enjoy the shallower waters.
Now free of over-commercialization, Bar Beach retains its scenic seaside essence. Continue strolling south along the Ahmadu Bello Walkway to discover even quieter stretches of sand devoid of crowds.
9. Landmark Beach
For luxurious amenities and vibrant entertainment, Landmark Beach on Victoria Island stands out as one of Lagos’ most upscale beach destinations. This private beach offers pristine white sand, swaying palms, and rolling surf along with resort-style services.
Escape to this tropical paradise and make yourself at home in one of the breezy cabanas or cushioned daybeds dotted along the sand. Attendants are on hand to provide cooling drinks, snacks, towels, and anything else you require.
Take a surfing lesson in the morning to ride the swells offshore. Sign up for a stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking session to explore the waters. Schedule a relaxing couples’ massage right on the beach to sink into full vacation mode.
With upscale amenities, excellent service, water sports, and vibrant nightlife, Landmark Beach adds a luxurious dimension to Lagos’ spectacular beach scene. Treat yourself to a getaway where the biggest decision is choosing a cabana or daybed to soak up the sun in style.
La Campagne Beach
Located behind the upscale La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, La Campagne Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand open to hotel guests and day visitors. It has a laidback vibe and is less crowded than many of the public beaches in Lagos.
Tall coconut trees line the shore, providing shade from the sun. The golden sandy beach slopes gently into the clear blue waters, making it ideal for swimming. The resort offers lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels for rent. Various water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boat rides can also be arranged.
The beach has a shower and changing facilities, lifeguards on duty, and on-site restaurants. Sip a tropical cocktail, dig your feet into the sand, and watch the waves lap at the shoreline for a relaxing beach day.
Conclusion
Lagos certainly has no shortage of spectacular beaches to choose from. You can pick between lively urban hotspots and remote undiscovered shores. Whether you want to party, swim, surf, or soak up the sun in peace, Lagos has a beach that fits your style.
From the relaxation of Atican Beach to the energy of Oniru Beach, and the seclusion of Eleko Beach to the water sports at Lekki Beach, the top 10 beaches in our list cover the can’t-miss options for your next Lagos getaway.
