Lagos is blessed with some of the best beaches in Nigeria. The Atlantic Ocean washes numerous breathtaking beaches that offer visitors a chance to soak up the sun, swim, party, and enjoy various water sports.
Lagos beaches are popular relaxation spots for locals and tourists alike. The warm tropical climate means you can visit the beaches all year round. Some of the most popular free beaches in Lagos include Elegushi Beach, Alpha Beach, Atican Beach, Eleko Beach, and Badagry Beach.
In this blog post, we discuss the top 10 free beaches in Lagos that you should visit. Read on to find out which Lagos beaches you should add to your list of must-visit places in Lagos.
With its Atlantic coastline and tropical climate, Lagos is a beach lover’s paradise. While some of Lagos’ most famous beaches charge entry fees, there are plenty of free public beaches to enjoy.
Read on for the best free beaches in Lagos to visit and soak up the sun, play in the surf, and take in spectacular seaside views without emptying your wallet.
10 Best Free Beaches in Lagos
1. Elegushi Beach
Elegushi is arguably the most popular public beach along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Owned by the Elegushi Royal Family, it’s a stunning beach with fine white-golden sand, waving palm trees, and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
On weekdays, the beach is peaceful with just a few locals enjoying the views or swimming. But on weekends, Elegushi comes alive as one of the top beaches to visit in Lagos for a fun time. It attracts families, couples, and groups of friends, especially on Sundays.
The facilities at Elegushi Beach include seating areas, thatched gazebos, restrooms, showers, playgrounds, and parking spaces. Food and drinks are available from vendors selling snacks like suya, puff-puff, coconut, and more.
With its proximity to Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki, Elegushi Beach is easy to access for most people in Lagos. The beach is open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM. There’s a small entrance fee of around 500 Naira per person to access the beach and its facilities.
2. Alpha Beach
Alpha Beach is a stunning public beach located in the upscale Lekki Phase 1 area, next to several luxury resorts and hotels like The Place and Legend Hotel. It lies between the top beaches of Elegushi and Lekki Beach.
Alpha Beach stands out for its neat grounds, well-laid facilities, serene environment, and ample parking space. The golden sand beach is flanked by rows of palm trees that provide shade from the sun. Picnic gazebos, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms are also available.
The major activities at Alpha Beach include swimming, lounging, picnicking, jogging, walking along the shoreline, or viewing the Atlantic Ocean. Beach soccer games also take place, especially in the late afternoons. Food and drinks are available from food traders and nearby restaurants/bars.
Alpha Beach is open daily from 8 AM to midnight. Entry fees are around 200 naira per person. Accessible from Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in VI, it’s great for families, couples, individuals, and corporate retreats looking for a refreshing beach getaway in Lagos.
3. Atican Beach
Boasting a tranquil ambiance, Atican Beach stands out as one of the cleanest and most serene public beaches in Lagos. It’s located around Eleko Beach along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
Shaded by rows of coconut palms, the beach features soft white sand and gentle waves of blue water that glisten under the sun. The landscape is dotted by thatched gazebos that provide comfort for picnickers. Changing rooms are also available with restrooms/showers.
The major activities to enjoy here include swimming, sunbathing, beach soccer, beach volleyball, jogging, picnicking, and walking along the shoreline while the ocean laps at your feet. Well-prepared snacks and chilled drinks are readily available from food/drink vendors around.
The beach is just off the Lekki-Epe highway making it easily accessible from Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, or the outskirts of Ikoyi within a 30-45 minute drive. It’s open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM with an entrance fee of 200 Naira per head. With ample parking space, Atican Beach is great for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups seeking some relaxed beach time.
4. Eleko Beach
Featuring serene ocean views, soft white sand, and swaying palm trees, Eleko Beach is a breathtaking public beach along the Lekki Coast. It neighbours the private La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort.
Despite bordering the Lagos metropolis, Eleko Beach remains relatively undeveloped and peaceful. The landscape comprises mainly coconut trees dropping onto the sandy shores. On weekdays, you’ll find just a handful of beachgoers enjoying the chilled ambiance. But weekends draw bigger crowds who set up tents, gazebos, and umbrellas along the beachfront.
The facilities are quite basic but there are food/drink vendors, restrooms, seating areas, and spots to play beach soccer or volleyball. The beach also offers banana boat rides, canoe rides, and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. With no loud music, the atmosphere is serene and relaxing.
Access to Eleko Beach is via the Lekki-Epe Expressway. From Victoria Island, it’s about a 30-40 minute drive. There are no entrance fees and the beach is open 24/7. The ample parking space also makes it suitable for group visits and corporate retreats seeking a refreshing escape from the city.
5. Badagry Beach
Known to be located between the coastal town of Badagry and the Atlantic Ocean, Badagry Beach is a popular spot among locals in Lagos due to its accessibility, amenities, and beautiful scenery. The beach stretches over 4 km, featuring soft sand, gentle waves, and coconut trees swaying in the sea breeze.
On weekdays, Badagry Beach is quiet, with just a few fishermen and locals milling about. But it springs to life during weekends when Lagos residents storm the beach to relax and have fun under the sun. The atmosphere is lively with blasting music, local food, and drinks flowing freely. Visitors can rent beach umbrellas and chairs for a more comfortable experience.
Various snack spots and restaurants can be found along the shoreline selling grilled fish, coconut rice, noodles, suya, and traditional dishes like amala. There are also makeshift bars serving chilled alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to quench your thirst after a swim.
Facilities like restrooms and changing rooms are available to provide convenience for beachgoers. But it’s best to carry your towels and supplies when visiting.
Located just an hour’s drive from Lagos Island, Badagry Beach is easy to access via public transport or private cars. The beach is open from 8 AM until the evening daily. It offers a great experience whether you visit alone, as a couple, or in a group.
6. Oniru Private Beach
Managed by the Oniru Chieftaincy Family, Oniru Private Beach is one of the most exclusive beaches along the Lekki-Oniru Coastline. It’s located right next to Victoria Island.
As a private beach, Oniru offers a well-organized environment, modern facilities, unrivaled serenity, and top-notch services. The landscape features golden sands kissing the Atlantic waters, swaying palm trees, and thatched-roof gazebos for lounging in the shade.
Activities to enjoy here include swimming, sunbathing, beach sports, lounging in cabanas, and enjoying food/drinks at the beachside restaurants. You can also take a peaceful stroll on the shoreline while the ocean gently kisses your feet.
Unlike public beaches, Oniru offers privacy from crowds which helps you relax completely. The atmosphere is quiet, perfect for couples, family weekends, business retreats, or just pampering yourself alone. Excellent customer service ensures visitors get top-notch treatment.
To access the beach, you simply drive down the idyllic Oniru Road from Victoria Island and turn towards the shoreline. Being exclusive, there are entrance fees of around 1000 Naira per head to enjoy all the facilities and services. The beach is open from 9 AM daily, and advance booking is highly recommended.
Also, Read 10 Best Beach Houses In Lagos
7. Suntan Beach
Located within the premises of Badore Leisure Park, Suntan Beach offers a stunning escape along the waterfronts at Badore Ajah. Managed by Moorhouse Sofitel Lagos, it’s a refreshing private beach that guarantees a peaceful experience.
The landscape features golden sand dotted with thatched-roof relaxation spots overlooking the lagoon waters. Swaying palm trees provide shade from the heat. The amenities include lounge chairs, sun beds, tables, and well-kept restrooms for convenience.
As a private beach, Suntan offers a serene environment away from boisterous crowds at public beaches. The soothing ambiance allows visitors to relax and soak up the sun in peace. You can take a dip in the lagoon waters while enjoying the cool Atlantic breeze.
With its family-friendly atmosphere, Suntan Beach is great for couples, groups of friends, corporate retreats, kid’s days out, or just anyone seeking some private relaxation along the Lagos coastline. The beach is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.
8. Landmark Beach
Owned by the Landmark Village, Landmark Beach offers a picturesque private beach experience along the Atlantic Coast at the Victoria Island annex.
The beach landscape features fine white sand dotted with thatched beach huts, coconut trees, lounge chairs, and facilities for a comfortable experience. The adjoining Landmark Village also houses a hotel, restaurants, and bars when you need a break from the beach.
As a private beach, Landmark offers a serene atmosphere with few crowds, so you can truly relax and unwind. The environment is clean, secure, and well-maintained, with staff always on hand to cater to visitors.
Some of the activities to enjoy here include swimming, lounging on the beach chairs, playing beach volleyball or soccer on the open grounds, and savoring delicious cuisine at the beachfront restaurant.
Despite being private, Landmark Beach has relatively affordable rates, starting at just 500 Naira per person. Kids also get free access on weekdays. Open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, Landmark Beach guarantees a refreshing escape from the Lagos crowds at the iconic VI beaches.
9. Whispering Palms
Whispering Palms is a charming beach tucked inside the Whispering Palms Resort along Marwa Road, Ibeju Lekki. The family-friendly resort offers a laid-back beach getaway along the Lekki lagoon.
The amenities include lounge chairs, sun beds, umbrellas, changing rooms, and restaurant/bar service. As a private beach, it offers an escape from boisterous crowds at public beaches for true relaxation.
Fun activities here include swimming in the lagoon, sunbathing on the lounge chairs, playing outdoor games like soccer or badminton, and chilling out with cocktails at the poolside bar. You can take leisurely walks on the beach while enjoying the cool breeze.
Access to Whispering Palms is via Ibeju Lekki after the Eleko junction. Day visitors are welcome at the beach at affordable rates. The vibrant resort environment also makes it great for families and groups seeking a memorable beach getaway just outside the Lagos mainland.
10. Tarkwa Bay Beach
Accessible only by boat, Tarkwa Bay Beach is an intriguing hideaway nestled on a small island off the Lagos shoreline. The sheltered public beach offers a unique vibe away from the mainland.
Visitors arrive at Tarkwa Bay via a short 10-minute boat ride from Marina or Badore in Lagos. The beach features clear waters, golden sands dotted with thatched beach shacks, and swaying palms that provide shade.
On weekdays, Tarkwa Bay is quiet with few locals and beachgoers chilling out in the dozens of rustic beach bars. But the island comes alive on weekends when Lagos folks escape the city for the unique Tarkwa vibes.
Boats to Tarkwa Bay leave from various points in Lagos regularly daily. The beach offers a special communal vibe and cultural immersion in addition to the sand, waters, and happy vibes.
Conclusion
The beautiful Atlantic beaches along the Lagos coastline provide perfect spots for locals and tourists to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories. Be it the lively public beaches like Elegushi and Badagry or serene private escapes like Oniru and Landmark, Lagos beaches have so much to offer.
The top beaches we’ve highlighted give you the freedom to pick a location that suits your needs – action-packed crowds or tranquil solitude. Their proximity to the city center and well-laid facilities also make them convenient for beach trips any time of the year.
