Nigeria may be better known for its bustling cities, rich culture and vibrant nightlife, but the country also has a beautiful Atlantic coastline with plenty of beaches worth exploring.
From the popular beaches of Lagos to the long, relatively undeveloped coastline of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria offers different types of beach experiences. Some beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing, others are better for parties and entertainment, while some offer a quieter escape from the city.
If you are planning a beach vacation in Nigeria, you do not necessarily have to travel outside the country to enjoy the ocean. There are beautiful coastal destinations across Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Ondo and other coastal states.
Based on current travel guides, visitor reviews and the overall experience available to travellers, these are some of the best beaches in Nigeria in 2026.
15 Best Beaches in Nigeria
Here are some of the beaches covered in this guide:
- Tarkwa Bay Beach, Lagos
- Ibeno Beach, Akwa Ibom
- Elegushi Royal Beach, Lagos
- Atican Beach, Lagos
- Eleko Beach, Lagos
- Oniru Beach, Lagos
- Ilashe Beach, Lagos
- Gberefu Beach, Badagry
- Suntan Beach, Badagry
- Coconut Beach, Badagry
- Inagbe Beach, Lagos
- Araromi Beach, Ondo
- Okpoama Beach, Bayelsa
- Brass Beach, Bayelsa
- Finima Nature Park Beach, Rivers State
1. Tarkwa Bay Beach, Lagos
Tarkwa Bay Beach is arguably one of the most popular beaches in Nigeria and consistently appears near the top of current beach rankings. Tripadvisor currently lists Tarkwa Bay as its number-one beach in Nigeria, while other 2026 travel guides also rank it highly.
One of the things that makes Tarkwa Bay different from many Lagos beaches is the journey required to get there. The beach is accessible by boat, which gives the trip more of an island-escape feeling despite being close to the centre of Lagos.
The beach is known for its relatively sheltered waters, sandy shoreline and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can swim, surf, take photographs, enjoy picnics or simply spend the day beside the ocean.
It is particularly popular with groups of friends, families and visitors who want to escape the busy streets of Lagos for a few hours.
Tarkwa Bay is not a luxury beach resort, so you should not expect the same facilities as a premium private beach club. However, its location and atmosphere are a major part of its appeal.
Best for: Swimming, surfing, picnics, groups and a relaxed beach day.
2. Ibeno Beach, Akwa Ibom
Ibeno Beach is one of Nigeria’s most impressive coastal destinations and is particularly famous for its enormous stretch of Atlantic coastline.
Located in Akwa Ibom State, Ibeno offers something quite different from the commercialised beaches around Lagos. The beach is spacious, open and comparatively less developed.
Recent travel guides rank Ibeno among the best beaches in Nigeria and describe it as one of the country’s longest beach destinations.
The beach is ideal if your idea of a perfect getaway involves long walks beside the ocean, fresh air, fewer crowds and a more natural environment.
Visitors can also experience local food and the coastal culture of Akwa Ibom.
The downside is that Ibeno is less convenient than Lagos beaches. If you are travelling from Lagos, reaching the beach requires considerably more planning.
But if you are looking for one of Nigeria’s more underrated coastal destinations, Ibeno is worth considering.
Best for: Long beach walks, quiet getaways, nature and escaping crowds.
3. Elegushi Royal Beach, Lagos
Elegushi Royal Beach Lekki Phase I Lagos is one of Lagos’s most popular social beaches.
Located in Lekki, Elegushi is particularly known for its lively atmosphere. It is the kind of beach where you can expect music, food, drinks, social gatherings and entertainment rather than a completely quiet retreat.
Current Tripadvisor rankings place Elegushi among Nigeria’s most visited and reviewed beaches, with more than 150 reviews on the platform.
The beach is particularly popular with younger visitors and groups looking for a fun day or evening out.
If you want a peaceful beach where you can sit alone and listen to the waves, this may not be your first choice. But if you want music, entertainment and a lively Lagos beach experience, Elegushi is one of the better-known options.
Best for: Parties, entertainment, groups and social outings.
4. Atican Beach, Lagos
Atican Beach is another popular beach destination around Lekki.
Compared with some of the more heavily entertainment-focused beaches, Atican can offer a more relaxed experience while still providing facilities for visitors.
The beach has also received positive visitor feedback. Tripadvisor currently lists it among its top beaches in Nigeria, with reviewers highlighting its relatively clean beach environment and suitability for spending the day by the water.
Atican can work well for families, couples and groups who want a straightforward beach outing without necessarily looking for a major nightlife experience.
Best for: Families, relaxation, picnics and casual beach outings.
5. Eleko Beach, Lagos
Eleko Beach is another popular destination along the Lekki coastline.
One of its biggest attractions is its more relaxed atmosphere compared with some of the busier beaches closer to central Lagos.
Current Tripadvisor listings include Eleko among the notable beaches in Nigeria.
The beach is suitable for visitors who want to spend a few hours away from the city’s noise, enjoy the sea breeze and have a relatively simple coastal experience.
It is also a popular option for group outings and informal beach gatherings.
If you are already staying around Lekki or Ajah, Eleko can be a convenient option for a beach day.
Best for: Relaxation, groups, picnics and casual outings.
6. Oniru Beach, Lagos
Oniru Beach is located in one of the most popular areas of Lagos for entertainment, restaurants and nightlife.
The beach is attractive to people who want to combine a coastal outing with the convenience of being close to Victoria Island, Lekki and other major parts of Lagos.
Current Tripadvisor listings include Oniru among the leading beaches in Nigeria.
The managed nature of the beach means visitors can enjoy a more organised experience than they might find at some remote beaches.
It can also be a good choice if you want to spend the day at the beach and then continue your evening at nearby restaurants or entertainment venues.
Best for: Social outings, couples, events and convenient beach days.
7. Ilashe Beach, Lagos
If you want something more private, Ilashe is one of the Nigerian beaches worth considering.
Located on the Lagos coastline and generally accessed by boat, Ilashe is known for its more secluded atmosphere.
Recent Nigerian travel coverage describes Ilashe as one of the more private beach destinations around Lagos, making it popular for luxury retreats, celebrations and private gatherings.
The experience is quite different from going to a crowded public beach.
Instead of spending the day surrounded by thousands of visitors, Ilashe can provide a more exclusive coastal experience.
It can be particularly attractive for birthdays, private parties, pre-wedding events and weekend getaways.
Best for: Privacy, luxury getaways, celebrations and groups.
8. Gberefu Beach, Badagry
Gberefu Beach is located in Badagry, Lagos State, and offers something more than a conventional beach outing.
It is closely connected to the historical attractions of Badagry and is also known as the Point of No Return.
Visitors who explore Badagry’s historical sites can combine their trip with a visit to the beach.
Getting there involves crossing the lagoon and walking along the sandy island before reaching the Atlantic coastline. Lonely Planet describes Gberefu as a beach experience that can form part of a broader Badagry historical tour.
This makes it especially interesting for travellers who want to combine history, culture and nature.
Best for: History, culture, sightseeing and coastal exploration.
9. Suntan Beach, Badagry
Suntan Beach is another established beach destination in Badagry.
Badagry has a long association with Nigeria’s coastal history, making a trip to its beaches different from simply visiting a beach in Lekki.
Suntan Beach is suitable for visitors looking for a more traditional Nigerian beach experience, particularly families and groups.
The beach also benefits from Badagry’s broader tourist attractions, allowing visitors to combine the beach with historical sightseeing.
Best for: Families, local tourism and combining beach trips with Badagry sightseeing.
10. Coconut Beach, Badagry
Coconut Beach is another coastal destination in Badagry and is known for its natural setting and coconut trees.
The beach provides a more relaxed alternative to the busier entertainment-focused beaches around Lekki.
For people looking for a simple day beside the ocean, Coconut Beach can be an interesting option.
Badagry itself is also worth exploring because of its historical importance, so visitors can combine a beach trip with museums and historical sites.
Best for: Relaxation, sightseeing and a quieter coastal experience.
11. Inagbe Beach, Lagos
INAGBE GRAND RESORTS AND LEISURE is an island resort destination located off the Lagos coast.
The attraction of Inagbe is that it combines the beach with a resort-style getaway.
Instead of simply arriving at a beach for a few hours, visitors can plan a longer stay with accommodation and leisure activities.
The island setting also gives the experience a stronger sense of escape from Lagos.
It can be particularly attractive for couples, families and groups looking for a weekend getaway rather than a short beach visit.
Best for: Weekend getaways, families, couples and resort experiences.
12. Araromi Beach, Ondo
Araromi Beach is one of the lesser-known Nigerian beaches outside Lagos.
Located in Ondo State, it forms part of the country’s long Atlantic coastline.
Ondo is not usually the first state Nigerians think about when discussing beaches, which is part of what makes Araromi interesting.
Recent coverage of Nigeria’s lesser-known beaches highlights Araromi as one of the coastal destinations outside Lagos worth discovering.
For travellers who prefer less-commercialised destinations, it can offer a more natural coastal experience.
Best for: Adventure, nature and exploring lesser-known destinations.
13. Okpoama Beach, Bayelsa
Okpoama Beach is one of the more remote coastal destinations in Nigeria.
Located in Bayelsa State, it offers visitors the opportunity to experience the coastline of the Niger Delta region.
Unlike Lagos beaches, which are often surrounded by restaurants, clubs and large crowds, destinations such as Okpoama offer a more community-oriented and natural experience.
Recent Nigerian travel coverage identifies Bayelsa as one of the states with lesser-known beaches worth exploring.
Getting there requires more planning than visiting a Lagos beach, but that is also part of the attraction for adventurous travellers.
Best for: Adventure, nature and off-the-beaten-path travel.
14. Brass Beach, Bayelsa
Brass is another coastal destination in Bayelsa State that gives visitors a chance to experience Nigeria’s Niger Delta coastline.
The area is less commercialised than Lagos and can be particularly appealing to travellers who want to explore places outside Nigeria’s mainstream tourist circuit.
A trip to Brass is better suited to adventurous travellers who are willing to plan transportation and spend more time exploring the region.
Best for: Adventure, nature and remote coastal experiences.
15. Finima Nature Park Beach, Rivers State
Finima is associated with Bonny Island and the wider Niger Delta environment.
The area offers visitors a combination of coastal scenery and nature, making it different from the highly commercialised beach clubs found in Lagos.
The wider Niger Delta has several coastal and community-managed destinations, many of which remain relatively unknown to tourists.
For travellers interested in nature and exploring Nigeria beyond its major cities, the area can be worth considering.
Best for: Nature, adventure and exploring the Niger Delta.
Best Beach in Nigeria for a Getaway
If you are wondering which beach to choose, the answer depends on the type of experience you want.
For the best overall Lagos beach experience: Tarkwa Bay is one of the strongest choices.
For a lively beach experience: Elegushi is a popular option.
For relaxation: Atican and Eleko are worth considering.
For privacy: Ilashe is a better choice.
For a resort experience: Inagbe can be attractive.
For a long, natural coastline: Ibeno Beach stands out.
For history and culture: Gberefu Beach in Badagry is particularly interesting.
For adventure: The lesser-known beaches of Bayelsa and Ondo offer something different.
Best Beaches in Lagos
Lagos is by far the easiest place to find a wide variety of Nigerian beach experiences.
Some of the beaches worth considering include:
- Tarkwa Bay
- Elegushi Beach
- Atican Beach
- Eleko Beach
- Oniru Beach
- Ilashe Beach
- Coconut Beach
- Inagbe
Current travel rankings continue to put Tarkwa Bay among the strongest options in Lagos, while Elegushi, Oniru, Eleko and Atican are also prominent.
One important point is that Landmark Beach should not automatically be included in a current 2026 list. Recent 2026 Lagos beach guides report that Landmark Beach has been permanently closed because of redevelopment.
Best Beaches in Nigeria for Swimming
If swimming is your main priority, do not assume that every Nigerian beach is suitable for swimming simply because it has a beautiful shoreline.
Ocean conditions can change, and some beaches have stronger currents or waves.
Tarkwa Bay is frequently described as having relatively sheltered waters, making it one of the more popular choices for swimming and beginner surfing.
However, visitors should still check local conditions and follow any safety instructions before entering the water.
Best Beaches in Nigeria for Couples
If you are planning a romantic beach day or weekend getaway, consider:
- Tarkwa Bay
- Ilashe
- Inagbe
- Oniru
- Atican
- Clearer resort-style beach destinations
For couples, the atmosphere can matter just as much as the beach itself. A private or resort beach may be more appropriate for a romantic getaway than a crowded public beach.
Best Beaches in Nigeria for Families
Families may prefer beaches where there is enough space, food, seating and entertainment for children.
Some options include:
- Tarkwa Bay
- Atican Beach
- Oniru Beach
- Inagbe
- Elegushi Beach
Parents should always keep children close to the water and avoid allowing them to swim unsupervised.
Best Time to Visit Nigerian Beaches
The dry season, particularly around November to March, is generally a more convenient period for beach trips because rainfall is lower in many parts of the country.
December is particularly popular for Lagos beach outings because of the large number of visitors and entertainment activities during the festive season.
However, this is also one of the busiest periods.
If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting on a weekday outside the major holiday periods.
Current 2026 travel guides also recommend the November-to-March period for beaches such as Tarkwa Bay and Ibeno.
What to Take to a Nigerian Beach
Before leaving for the beach, consider carrying:
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- A hat or cap
- Beach towels
- Swimwear
- Extra clothes
- Drinking water
- Cash
- Phone power bank
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Snacks
- Basic personal items
For more remote beaches, take additional supplies because restaurants and shops may be limited.
Beach Safety Tips in Nigeria
A beautiful beach can still have dangerous ocean conditions.
Before swimming, check the condition of the water and pay attention to local warnings.
Avoid swimming alone, especially at remote beaches.
If you are visiting Tarkwa Bay or another boat-access beach, use a reputable boat operator and confirm the return arrangements before leaving.
This is particularly important because missing the final boat can turn a simple beach trip into a serious problem.
You should also keep valuables secure and avoid carrying unnecessary expensive items.
For remote beaches, it is wise to travel with someone who knows the area.
FAQs About the Best Beaches in Nigeria
What is the best beach in Nigeria?
Tarkwa Bay Beach is one of the strongest choices and currently ranks first on Tripadvisor’s list of Nigerian beaches. It is known for its sandy shoreline, relatively sheltered waters and boat-access experience.
Which beach is the most beautiful in Nigeria?
Beauty is subjective, but Tarkwa Bay, Ibeno, Eleko, Ilashe and several beaches along the Lagos and Akwa Ibom coastlines are among the destinations often highlighted for their scenery.
What is the best beach in Lagos?
Tarkwa Bay is one of the most popular choices, while Elegushi, Atican, Eleko, Oniru and Ilashe offer different experiences.
Which Nigerian beach is best for swimming?
Tarkwa Bay is one of the more popular beaches for swimming because of its relatively sheltered setting. However, ocean conditions can change, so visitors should always check local conditions before entering the water.
Which beach is best for parties in Nigeria?
Elegushi Beach is one of the better-known options for people looking for music, entertainment, food and a lively social atmosphere.
Which beach is best for couples in Nigeria?
Ilashe, Inagbe, Tarkwa Bay and some of the more organised beach resorts around Lagos can be good choices for couples, depending on whether you want privacy, activities or a resort experience.
What is the longest beach in Nigeria?
Ibeno Beach in Akwa Ibom is widely described as Nigeria’s longest beach and is known for its extensive Atlantic coastline.
Are there beaches outside Lagos in Nigeria?
Yes. Nigeria has beaches across several coastal states, including Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Delta and Ogun.
Is Landmark Beach still open?
Recent 2026 Lagos travel coverage reports that Landmark Beach is permanently closed due to redevelopment, so travellers should not plan a current trip there without independently confirming its status.
What is the best time to visit beaches in Nigeria?
The dry season, particularly November to March, is generally a popular period for Nigerian beach trips. December can be especially lively but also considerably busier.
Conclusion
Nigeria has a surprisingly diverse selection of beaches, from the popular and accessible beaches of Lagos to the long, relatively undeveloped coastline of Akwa Ibom and the lesser-known coastal destinations of the Niger Delta.
For most visitors, Tarkwa Bay is an excellent starting point. Elegushi is better for entertainment, Atican and Eleko are suitable for more relaxed outings, while Ilashe and Inagbe can provide a more private or resort-style experience.
If you want something further away from Lagos, Ibeno Beach is one of Nigeria’s most impressive coastal destinations, while Gberefu, Araromi, Okpoama and Brass offer opportunities to explore lesser-known parts of the country’s coastline.
Ultimately, the best Nigerian beach depends on what you want from your trip — swimming, relaxation, nightlife, privacy, adventure, nature or a full weekend getaway.
With the right destination and a little planning, you can enjoy a memorable coastal escape without leaving Nigeria.
