THE SHORT VERSION / Best beaches in Lagos for Detty December
The best Lagos beaches for Detty December are Landmark Beach for organised day parties, Elegushi and Oniru for the busy local scene, Tarkwa Bay for calm water by boat, and Ilashe or Atican for a private beach house with friends. Most are on Victoria Island or Lekki.
- Day parties
- Landmark Beach
- Local vibe
- Elegushi, Oniru
- Calm water
- Tarkwa Bay
- Private groups
- Ilashe, Atican
- Getting there
- Car or boat
- Sea swimming
- Strong currents
The 7 best Lagos beaches, ranked for Detty December
- Landmark Beach (Oniru, Victoria Island): clean, organised and secure, with cabanas, restaurants and December day parties. The easiest beach day in Lagos.
- Elegushi Beach (Lekki): the busy local beach. Music, horses, suya and big crowds, especially at weekends and on Boxing Day.
- Oniru Beach (Victoria Island): next to Landmark, livelier and cheaper.
- Tarkwa Bay: a sheltered bay reached by boat from the jetty. Calm water and a surf spot on the far side.
- Ilashe Beach: reached by boat, lined with private beach houses rented by groups for the day.
- Atican Beach (Lekki): a quieter resort-style beach further along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
- La Campagne Tropicana: a beach resort about 1.5 hours from Lekki, with an African village theme. Book as an overnight escape.
Lagos beaches compared
| Beach | How to get there | Best for | Crowd level in December |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landmark | Car to Oniru, VI | Day parties, families | High |
| Elegushi | Car to Lekki | Local scene | Very high |
| Oniru | Car to VI | Budget beach day | High |
| Tarkwa Bay | Boat from a jetty | Calm swimming | Medium |
| Ilashe | Boat | Private groups | Low to medium |
| Atican | Car along Lekki-Epe | Quiet resort day | Medium |
Which Lagos beach is best for a day party?
Landmark Beach is the best Lagos beach for a day party. It hosts ticketed and free events through December, has proper security and toilets, and is minutes from Victoria Island hotels.
Which Lagos beach is best for a group of friends?
Ilashe is the best Lagos beach for a private group day. Groups rent a beach house with a pool, food and drinks, and travel by boat together. Book in November, because December weekends sell out.
How to take a boat to Tarkwa Bay or Ilashe
- Use a licensed boat operator from an established jetty in Victoria Island or Ikoyi.
- Wear the life jacket they give you, every time.
- Agree the return time and price before you leave.
- Avoid crossings after dark and in rough weather.
Beach safety in Lagos
- The Atlantic is strong: rip currents are common and lifeguards are rare. Swim only where locals say it is safe.
- Keep phones and cards in a dry bag and out of sight at busy beaches.
- Carry naira cash for entry, loungers and drinks.
- Book your ride home before sunset at the busiest beaches.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Book the essentials
Partner links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Lagos?
Landmark Beach is the best all-round beach in Lagos for visitors, with security, facilities and December events. Tarkwa Bay is best for calm swimming, and Ilashe is best for private groups.
How do you get to Tarkwa Bay?
Take a licensed boat from a jetty in Victoria Island or Ikoyi. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Agree the return time and fare before you leave.
Is it safe to swim at Lagos beaches?
Swim with care. Lagos beaches on the open Atlantic have strong currents and few lifeguards. Tarkwa Bay is more sheltered than most.
