The heavyweights
1. Landmark Beach — the most polished, cleanest and safest strip in Lekki, entry $5 to $10, loud on weekends, DJs from 4pm, food from $8 a plate. 2. La Campagne Tropicana at Ikegun — quieter, resort-style, day pass around $30, best sand of the lot. 3. Elegushi — chaotic, fun, Nigerian beach in full — horses, jetskis, hawkers, $3 entry, come Saturday afternoon and stay for sunset.
The escape beaches
4. Ilashe — 20-minute boat from Ikoyi, private-feel weekday, $25 to $40 return by shared boat. 5. Tarkwa Bay — the sheltered classic, no cars, $12 boat from Tarkwa jetty, best for swimming with kids. 6. Eleko Beach — long stretch past Ibeju-Lekki, $4 entry, weekday empty. 7. Alpha Beach — moody, quiet, some coastal erosion, best for a walk not a swim. 8. Oniru Beach — right in town, functional not scenic.
The tier below and honest advice
9. Lekki Free Trade Zone Beach — pretty when you get there, terrible road access. 10. Suntan Beach at Badagry — 90 minutes' drive, worth it for the history combo with the slave museum. Skip Bar Beach and Kuramo (badly eroded, unsafe for swimming). Golden rule: never swim beyond your waist on any Atlantic beach here. The undertow drowns strong swimmers every year.
Bon à savoir
Which beach is best on a Sunday?+
Landmark for the party crowd, Ilashe or Tarkwa for peace. Elegushi is the most authentic Lagos beach Sunday — go if you want the full experience, avoid if you want to read a book.
Are the beaches safe?+
Beaches themselves are fine in daylight, especially the paid ones with security. The Atlantic is dangerous for weak swimmers everywhere. Watch belongings on public beaches — one person stays with bags at all times.