Best beaches in Nigeria include the La Campagne Tropicana beach in Lekki, Lagos, which has consistently earned the top spot as one of the cleanest beaches in Nigeria, Calabar Beach in Cross River State, and Elegusi beach, among others.
Nigeria is well blessed with an abundance of beautiful seashores, even though it is not mainly known for its coastlines. The West African country boasts many beautiful places and beaches to visit. However, this list barely covers the numerous amazing beaches in Nigeria, but we bring you the top 10.
Best Beaches in Nigeria You Must Visit
There are many lovely beaches in Nigeria, and most of them are breathtaking. Hence, Nigerians do not need to go far before they can enjoy what a beach life looks like. Here, in no particular order, are the top best of them you need to visit even if you are not a beach person.
1. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Lekki Lagos
- Location: Ibeju-Lekki Area
- City: Lekki
- Water Body: Atlantic Ocean
- Access: Paid
La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort was founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye in 1984, and it is known to be the first African-themed forest, beach, and river in the world. Combining African-themed hospitality with modern luxury, La Campagne is one of the best beaches in Nigeria. It has been patronized by world-class dignitaries such as ex-presidents, ministers, and monarchs.
La Campagne Tropicana Beach is situated at Ikegun, Ibeju-Lekki Area, Off Lekki Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria. It boasts 2000 meters of soft and golden sand that cuts across the shades of majestic coconut palms. Attractions on the beach include a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna, including mangroves, various epiphytes, snake trees, monkeys, bats, squirrels, and other species of birds such as sea hawks, kingfishers, ducks, and egrets.
The beach is ideal for family getaways, honeymoons, corporate conferences, and weddings. It also allows visitors to explore the mangrove forest, go fishing in the lagoon, play and bond with families and team members, or do nothing else but relax in between the warm sands on the beach. At the beach, Otunba Akinboboye made good use of local materials one would never imbue with such beauty and utility. All neatly and nicely fitted, giving out a fascinating and alluring atmosphere.
Other distinguished creations at the resort that has made it the envy of everyone are a chalet built of mud materials with an indoor swimming pool; Omi Gaari Ijebu, the Mud House Amoosan (mud is good), the longest swimming pool in the world, with a length of 240 meters, and a refreshing food drink exported from the traditional culture.
2. Asaba Beach, Delta State
- Location: Otuogo Asaba
- City: Asaba
- Water Body: Atlantic Ocean
- Access: Paid
Also called Otuogo Beach, Asaba beach is located in Otuogo, Asaba Delta State, and is one of the best beaches in Nigeria. It stretches to more than 4 kilometers along with the oil-rich territory, Niger Delta. With sparkling white sand, tropical plants, endless sunshine, and palm trees gracing the environment, Asaba beach is that attractive!
If you are looking for a beach in Nigeria that will give you a serene environment, amazing views, and tropical surroundings, then Asaba beach is the place to go. The beach setting, which is surrounded by creeks, coconut and palm trees, clean beach sand, and rock formations, is simply fascinating. It is considered an ideal spot for relaxation, festivals, picnics, etc.
3. Ndibe Sand Beach, Afikpo-North, Ebonyi State
- Location: Ndibe Beach Road, Afikpo
- City: Afikpo
- Water Body: Cross River basin
- Access: Paid
If you are looking for a beach to go to for a picnic, sportfishing, shell exploration, canoe racing, and sunbathing, then Ndibe Sand beach is for you. Ndibe beach is located in the Afikpo-North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and is accessed from Abakaliki through Amuro/Mgbom roundabout in Afikpo.
It is part of the extensive golden sand beaches along the Cross River basin. Those on the lookout for an ideal spot for relaxation will find answers with this beach after soaking up in the beautiful sounds and sights of this tropical beach. It is one of the best beaches and most admired getaways in the country due to its location and the recreational activities it offers.
The partying and merrymaking atmosphere of Ndibe beach is second to none. The resort is always filled with fun activities in festive periods with many people present. Evenings are usually characterized by bonfire parties along with cool music, and the dancing skills of the locals are worth viewing. It has hotel accommodations around to spend nights over, and sleeping arrangements are also made by the closeby resorts.
4. Ibeno Beach, Ibeno, Akwa Ibom
- Location: Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State
- City: Eket
- Water Body: Atlantic Coast
- Access: Paid
Fondly referred to as the climax of fun and entertainment, Ibeno beach sits on more than 1200 sq. km and is located in the Ibeno Local Government at the south end of Akwa Ibom State. Esit Eket Onna and Eastern Obolo Local Government areas border the beach. It stretches 30 kilometers to James town along the Atlantic coastline of Akwa Ibom state.
For the sake of history, in the early 20th century, the Qua Iboe Christian mission from Scotland used Ibeno as a landing site upon their arrival. History also has it that the area was first occupied by Ibeno indigenes around 1200-1500 BC. The beach is the longest sand beach in Africa and one of the oldest beaches in West Africa.
The resonance of the sea breeze it oozes out is astonishing alongside the crashing waves that emerge from the water and gently calm the soul. The resort is best for recreational activities as there are many facilities for water sports. However, given the high number of visitors it attracts, it is difficult to spend a quiet afternoon at Ibeno beach; hence, it is recommended that you visit the beach at night.
The nearby stalls offer a wide variety of such items as snacks, fruits, delicious meals, beer, and cocktails at affordable prices. What’s more, the beach is highly esteemed due to its peaceful and secure environment. If you ever visit Akwaibom, Ibeno beach might be the best place to check out.
5. Eko Tourist Beach Resort, Akodo, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos
- Location: Km 2 Epe Expressway, Ibeju, Lekki
- City: Lekki, Lagos
- Water Body: Atlantic Ocean
- Access: Paid
Also known as Akodo beach, Eko Tourist Resort is considered one of the top 10 beaches in Nigeria, offering modern facilities that complement all other amazing experiences. It is a privately-managed beach located at Ibeju, Lekki, along the Lagos-Epe Expressway, situated within a large expanse of land and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Indeed Lagos has several beaches, but most are rowdy and don’t offer privacy and intimacy. Are you a picnicker looking for an alternative to all the hustling and bustling of all these conventional beaches in the states? Then, Eko Tourist Beach Resort is a perfect place to be.
At the resort, there is an amusement park, a serene swimming beach, private security, a clinic, exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, and sporting facilities such as quad biking, snooker, archery, beach football, boat riding, table tennis, etc. Asides from the long stretch of the beach off the Atlantic coast, there is a well-maintained swimming pool for younger ones.
It is the most well-organized beach not only in Lagos but also in Nigeria in general. Moreover, Eko Tourist Beach Resort offers self-contained and well-furnished chalets of different categories, including a beach restaurant serving quality foods and drinks.
6. Ifoko Beach, Port Harcourt, Rivers
- Location: Rivers State
- City: Port Harcourt
- Water Body: Nil
- Access: Paid
Another one of the top 10 beaches in Nigeria is Ifoko Beach. Located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, this is one of the most popular beaches in the country that is not man-made. It is bordered by the rainforest and is most notable for its complete natural attributes and maintenance by the residents. Most of the residents depend on the sea for their livelihood as they are mostly fishermen by profession.
Ever wanted to see a whale? This resort offers the ideal spot for the view while mesmerizing your taste buds with seafood delicacies. The major fun thing that attracts people to the beach is watching nature as the area is still intact on how nature created it.
Visitors can also enjoy a walk along the shore with exotic scenery, watch sea creatures and animals in their natural habitat, and visit the fine restaurants around. On offer in the local restaurants are freshly caught seafood and fresh culinary highlights of Nigerian cuisine.
7. Patigi Beach, Niger River Area
- Location: River Niger in Pategi
- City: Pategi
- Water Body: River Niger
- Access: Paid
Patigi Beach is not your regular kind of Atlantic beach with silky soft sand; instead, it provides an unusual beach view as its beauty lies in its rugged terrain. It is located along the River Niger in Pategi, Kwara State, surrounded by green vegetation and a flowing river.
Patigi Beach is notable for being one of the most romantic beaches in Nigeria. Its latitude and longitude are 8.7285100 and 5.7556100, respectively. Patigi beach is popular with fishermen and a lot of fishing enthusiasts. On the things one can do at the beach, tourists are opportune to view the many species of fish found in the river, such as whiting, bream, and flathead.
You can also enjoy the game of volleyball or explore the water on a boat cruise. The restaurants on the ground are well known for their delicious appetizers and meal prepared with freshly caught fish and seafood. It is the perfect place for you and your partner to make a sea trip!
8. Elegushi Beach, Lagos State, Nigeria
- Location: Ikate area of Lekki, Lagos
- City: Lagos
- Water Body: Atlantic Ocean
- Access: Paid
The list of top 10 beaches in Nigeria cannot be deemed complete without including the Elegushi beach in Lagos. Situated in the Ikate area of Lekki, Lagos, Elegushi beach is arguably the most popular beach on the peninsula. However, one fact about the beach is that you would need to have a fat wallet if you want to get a good time here.
It is a private beach owned by the Elegushi Royal family led by HRM Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi. If you are searching for serenity, Elegushi beach should not be your first choice, but if you like your beach trip to be like a little adventure, plenty of partying, and a spot of culture, this is the ideal place to be.
Vacationers can enjoy a leisurely horse ride, ride the mini Ferris wheel, join the occasional fun paintball game, and loads more! It has a barbeque scene that wakes up at night. In addition, there are various food vendors serving mouthwatering local dishes and a wide variety of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. Tourists especially enjoy grilled fish, asun, nkwobi, and suya. You can also be lucky to find some stalls selling fresh palm wine.
9. Whispering Palms Beach
- Location: Badagry, Lagos State
- City: Aradagun
- Water Body: Atlantic Ocean
- Access: Paid
Whispering Palms Beach is another perfect beach for romantic getaways, family vacations, and corporate retreats. Founded by Professor Olufemi Pearse, the resort is located at Iworo Village, off Lagos Badagry Expressway, Aradagun, Lagos State. Whispering Palms has since become a popular get-away for pre-wedding photo shoots, couples on honeymoon, organizations, and companies who appreciate quality.
Whispering palms is known to be a slave trade hub, so it houses a heritage museum, and you don’t want to come to the beach and not visit the museum. Some of the exciting items at the museum are pictures of important slave routes and locations, historical slave chains, and boats.
Apart from the games and beautiful structures at the beach, there are several artworks, a mini zoo, museum, and exhibition space for Hodonu, Prof Pearse’s love of the arts. Moreso, visitors can enjoy water sports like court games and boat rides. The scenery is just so overwhelming and amazing.
With the warm breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, your worries are romantically blown away as you sit comfortably with your partner. Whispering Palms boast luxury restaurants that offer both local and continental dishes. Sporting activities available include volleyball, swimming, football, table tennis, and gym facilities.
10. Barracuda Beach, Lagos State
- Location: Okun Ajah Road, Okun-Mapo Village, Aja, Lagos
- City: Lekki, Lagos
- Water Body: Nil
- Access: Paid
Located at Okun Ajah Road, Okun-Mapo Village, Aja, Lagos, Barracuda beach is one of Nigeria’s most affordable private beaches. It offers an exciting experience to guests with private accommodation that has all the facilities you need to have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Baracuda resort boasts a clean, clear beach with white sand.
It completely comes with a tropical temperature that makes sunbathing most enjoyable. It has a basketball court and other sporting facilities available for guests to use. Also, at the beach is a comfortable lounge and restaurants where you can get assorted food and drinks.
10 Things You Must Take While Going to the Beach
- Picnic blanket and beach towels
- Bathing suit, Swimwear/Bikini
- Change of clothes plus hats
- Flip Flops/Sandals
- First aid items
- Beach lunch and snacks
- Reusable water bottles
- Beach umbrella
- Wallet, phone, camera, keys
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and SPF chapstick
10 Beach Saftey Tips To Be Aware Of
- Stay sober and do not drink alcohol
- Be aware of weather hazards
- Eat light food before and during a beach trip
- Pay attention to marine animals to avoid beach injuries
- Read warnings and observe all the beach safety rules
- You must have swimming skills and also a buddy
- Ensure to have lifeguards and stay in designated areas
- Do not assume the depth of water and dive in headfirst or jump from cliffs; instead, always enter the water feet first
- Watch for rip currents (a strong channel of water heavily extending from the shore and into the water)
- Hydrate and protect yourself from the sun