7 top beaches to visit in Nigeria

With over 800 km (approximately 30 miles) of coastline, Nigeria boasts an extensive array of beaches perfect for relaxation.

In Lagos, the nation's entertainment and business hub, you'll find the most developed beaches, along with a variety of private beach clubs and resorts open daily. Public beach entry fees start at N1000, while private beaches charge upwards of N3000.

In the Niger Delta, many beaches foster a community vibe with typically free entry. These spots, often lacking in recreational facilities, serve as local hangouts, especially during Easter and Christmas. In places like Ibeno, a community board helps maintain cleanliness and ensures visitor safety.

Beaches in Nigeria are generally lively places. From Lagos and Delta to Akwa Ibom and Rivers, be prepared for vibrant music and a party atmosphere, reflecting the Nigerian love for celebration. However, you can also find peaceful spots, particularly along the Epe and Badagry coastline.

No matter your beach preferences, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. Here are a few to explore.

1. McCarthy Beach

Want to swim in crystal-clear aquamarine waters where you can see the sandy bottom and fish swimming about? A visit to Gordon Resort Hotel's McCarthy Beach in Abraka (Delta State) offers just that. If swimming isn't your thing but you'd love to float, consider taking a local boat ride, where you can paddle with some guidance from the operator.

For a thrill, hop on a jet boat for a cruise along River Ethiope. Whether you’re alone or with friends, this short 15-minute ride showcases delightful sections of the creeks and their birdlife, much more than you’d see lounging on the beach. (Prices range from N6000 to N11,000.)

Back on land, relax on one of the benches, seating four to ten people, with larger ones accommodating up to twenty. Order drinks from any of the three bars and enjoy grilled food and snacks from the kiosks. If you're feeling energetic, get up and dance to the lively music or try your hand at paintball. On good days, local fishermen arrive with fresh tilapia, quickly traded and grilled for your enjoyment.

2. Port Harcourt Tourist Beach

Dubbed the 'Sunday-Sunday' beach, this spot in Borokiri, near Port Harcourt's historic district, truly comes alive on Sundays. Locals begin arriving around 3 PM, filling the sheltered concrete seats that overlook the creeks, while speedboats and ships float lazily in the water.

As evening approaches, the crowd swells beyond the initial seating, spilling into open-air areas where plastic chairs and tables are set up for extra guests. Vendors serve bole and fish—Port Harcourt's signature dish—along with a variety of food and drinks, while DJs keep the party going until it’s time to leave.

Detour: Make a quick stop at the Port Harcourt National Museum (Harley St) on your way in or out. Housed in a charming colonial-era building, the exhibition takes just 30 to 45 minutes but offers valuable insights into the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Niger Delta.

3. Ibeno Beach

Ibeno boasts a lengthy coastline, but most visitors flock to Inua Eyet Ekot, known as the 'big beach.' The vast stretch of soft white sand and the gentle breeze create an exhilarating experience. As you relax at the bars and restaurants or beneath canopies and umbrellas, the rhythmic crashing of the waves provides a calming backdrop to conversations at nearby tables.

The menu features some of the most delicious dishes from the Niger Delta, including rice with pepper soup, fufu with fisherman soup, and gari with afang soup. Street vendors offer everything from peppered snails in plastic buckets to fresh coconuts served from wheelbarrows, giving you the chance to enjoy coconut water right away. For a more upscale experience, check out the newly opened and elegantly decorated Happy Hour bar.

Detour: Ibeno is a bustling town of fishermen active throughout the year. Visit nearby Mkpanak just before dawn to witness boats racing off to the open sea, or head there in the early afternoon to see them return laden with fish, crayfish, and crabs. The sorting and sharing of the catch continue well into the evening.

4. Gberefu Beach

If you're exploring Badagry and its historic slavery sites and museums, you'll likely find yourself at Gberefu Beach (also known as the Point of No Return). The journey concludes with a quick five-minute boat ride across the lagoon, followed by a 20-minute walk on the sandy island to reach the shore.

While there aren’t many chairs and tables available, you won't miss them. The dramatic waves invite visitors to wander down to the foamy surf, dip their feet in, and settle as close to the water as they feel comfortable.

Planning tip: A tour of Badagry’s slavery sites can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on your interests. Be sure not to skip the newly opened Velekete Slave Market Museum; it offers an in-depth look at the transatlantic slave trade and concludes with a visit to the dungeon.

5. Avista Beach

If you prefer to escape the larger, bustling beaches and seek a more tranquil atmosphere, visit Avista Beach Resort in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos. This beach also serves as a garden, complete with a turtle and a tortoise. The cabanas feature Afrocentric decor, harmonizing beautifully with their sleek, minimalist furnishings and vibrant wall art.

The resort's private huts, adorned with elegant thatched roofs and dubbed the 'lovers’ garden,' are ideal for couples looking for a short getaway. You can book one for N25,000 for a 12-hour stay. For those wanting a longer experience, rooms and apartments are available, which also grant you access to a cozy bonfire night.

Planning tip: Okun Ajah is a busy beach corridor. If you ever feel like changing the scenery, feel free to explore other beach resorts—there are over a dozen to choose from.

6. Landmark Beach

You could easily spend an entire day at Landmark Beach without running out of activities. Its extensive range of recreational options is unparalleled, featuring everything from ball and water sports to paintball and quad biking. This beach is designed with families in mind, ensuring that kids have plenty to keep them entertained, with the water park being particularly popular among teenagers.

To bypass the long lines that often form on weekends, be sure to download the Landmark Citizen app. Not only does this allow you to purchase tickets at discounted rates, but it also lets you pay for almost everything on-site, including food and cabanas.

7. Elegushi Beach

Elegushi is a vibrant mix of beaches, restaurants, and oceanfront clubs perfect for family outings. During weekdays, the beach complex tends to be tranquil, with only a few people seen—some praying facing the ocean or enjoying drinks at the bars. However, on weekends, it's common for visitors to hang out here all night long.

Occasionally, you'll encounter wandering musicians who perform for your enjoyment. They don't charge for their music but appreciate any tips you may offer. Throughout the week, a group of horse riders is available to let you ride along the shore, with a standard round trip of about 100m (328ft) costing N2000; it's just N1000 if you only want to take pictures.

Detour: The all-white, four-story Nike Art Gallery sits on the road leading to Elegushi. Step inside to explore a charming collection of paintings, sculptures, fabrics, and accessories. Its craft shop is brimming with delightful souvenirs.