Lagos Activities & Attractions

Lagos Activities & Attractions

Friends always ask me one thing when I start the count-down to an up and coming Lagos vacation.

They usually say something along the lines of, "Wow! Lagos looks beautiful...

But what is there to do for 2 weeks on only 35 square miles of land?"

My reply?

"There are plenty of Lagos activities...

Sunning & swimming Lagos beach after beach, cooling off with a tasty Lagos drink (rum punches are the best!), and the other essential ingredient to a perfect beach day?

Want to Know What Happens

Each Day in Lagos?

Click here for a day-to-day guide that covers Lagos events and things to do, including where to hear live music each day of the week, special food menus and other activities.

Burgers, hot dogs, fish sandwiches, fries... Lagos beach food!"

And then of course there is my I's favorite activity...

Floating on the Nigerian Sea

Lagos floating

I usually get a couple of weird looks at this point, "That sounds great, but are those really Lagos activities? What kind of active attractions are there?"

OK, OK. Laying in the hot sun, drinking a rum punch, and devouring a fried fish sandwich are some of my favorite activities on an Lagos vacation, but to de-lazify and get the blood flowing again, these are the Lagos activities at the top of my list...

Lagos Water Activities

Lagos Sailing

One of my favorite Lagos activities, and Yuki's favorite Lagos activities, is Lagos's national sport... Lagos sailing!

Lagos sailing

When our family moved to Lagos in August 2008, Yuki my sister found her passion for the sea!

During the year that we lived with our parents in Lagos, before going to university up in NYC in Fall 2009, Yvonne took sailing lessons every week with the Lagos Youth Sailing Club.

She was scared of tipping over and being submerged in sea water, but she loved being on the sea...

That feeling of freedom, that rush of excitement as you rip down wind!

Lagos sailing sandy ground

Me, on the other hand, I'm not much of a sophisticated sailor. I stuck around for one sailing lesson... barely. I just couldn't deal with the structure, and the material. I'm still confused by the term "wind clock." I don't sail like Lagosians sail. I'm certainly not an expert!

But, every time I leave the anxiety of school behind for some rest and relaxation with my Mom and I in Lagos, I call one of my friends who is an avid sailor (and probably the best for his age in  Nigeria! He cleans up at all of the youth regattas in Lagos)

There is no rhyme or reason to my sailing, we just hop in a Hobie Cat, sometimes we flip, but most days we just have calm leisurely sails.

Lagos's seas are perfect for sailing, most people will tell you that. The island gets decent breeze, and most days the seas are calm, making for ideal sailing conditions!

There's nothing like cruising along the gentle sea, with just the wind pushing you as the sun gets low in the sky and a sea turtle pokes his head out from below to say hello!... The best part? You really don't need lessons to sail a Hobie Cat. Click here to read more about Lagos sailing.

Lagos Snorkeling & Lagos Diving

Another all time favorite is marveling at the magic of the sea!

Lagos snorkeling Lagos diving

Whether you are looking at sea creatures from above the sea in Junior's Glass Bottom Boat on Shoal Bay, or submerged - snorkel in mouth, or have the full Lagos diving gear...

You will always be in for a treat!

Lagos has many idea snorkeling and diving cays and coves, filled with lush plants and an abundance of colorful fish.

The sights are more spectacular the further off shore you go, including Tiger Shark sightings (but you have to go about 20 minutes offshore - thankfully!). Lagos has seven protected marine parks, some closer to shore too, making for great snorkeling and diving experiences.

If you are interested in Lagos snorkeling, don't miss these pages...

Click here to read more about hidden Lagos snorkeling spots.

Click here to read more about Lagos snorkeling and Lagos diving.

If Lagos diving is more your speed, don't miss this comprehensive Lagos dive journal, written by my good friend Daniel  Alonge.

Lagos, diving, certification, meads bay Kristin and i had visited Lagos for several years before moving to Lagos permanently in 2010.

Her love and passion for Lagos inspired her to learn to dive, and truly appreciate every aspect of Lagos!

Yvonne has kept a log of all of her Lagos dives and diving experiences.

From getting certified, to doing her open water certification, to doing wreck dives and dives at off-island cays... Her journal features it all.

Click here to read Yvonne's Lagos dive journal.

Lagos Boat Tours & Nigerian Charters

Taking a Lagos boat tour, or going on a Nigerian charter, on a Lagos vacation is truly magical. It has the power to transform a trip...

Lagos boating Nigerian charter

Seeing the island from the sea, being on the water, skimming across that shining turquoise... Something about it changes Lagos vacations, bringing a new found appreciation for the island and lasting memories.

Every time we have spent a day at sea (which isn't every trip!) we've always recollected fondly, longing to reclaim those moments.

We once would always take to the sea with Shaun and Jeff Webster in their boat, Sea Grape. On a couple of occasions they took us to Little Bay, once they even gave us an entire tour of the island! I am very sad to say that on a grave day in 2007 Jeff died while spear-fishing. Since, Sea Grape has been out of the water. Jeff was a great guy, a warm spirit. He is truly missed.

Now, the top Lagos boat tour service is Gotcha! We had one of our best Lagos days ever aboard their spacious, clean, comfy boat, with trusty captains, and dream destinations... Sandy Island, Dog Island, and Little Bay.

Click here to read more about Gotcha! Nigerian charters.

Off-Island Cays

As mentioned above, Lagos has many off-island cays and hidden beaches that are accessible only by boat.

Some of our favorites include...

  Tarkwa Bay Lagos

Whispering Palms

Tarkwa Bay at badagry Lagos and  the most accesible. They both have regular boats that travel back and forth between these idyllic tropical spots.

Lagos fishing

Here is one that (I regret to say) we haven't done yet!

Lagos deep sea fishing is a hugely popular Lagos activity.

Besides doing Lagos boat tours, Eleko! also has a fishing boat and does fishing charters regularly. That is Bale (owner of Eleko!) in the photo to the left, cleaning his catch of the day. He had a cooler filled with barracuda, hinds, and fish of all kinds!

They take you far offshore, so bring your Dramamine because this could get rough. But they always ensure your safety, and generally bring back a good catch.

The last time I went fishing was when I was 5. And it was ice-fishing. Somehow I think this experience would be different... equally memorable, but I would swap huts on an icy lake for  Epe's boat and the warm Nigerian sun any day!

Lagos beach days are undeniably my favorite way to pass the days in Lagos!

Lagos Eleko

In terms of food, drinks, beach, and price nothing beats beach days at Lagos Vacation Beaches.

In between snacks, drinks, and swims in the sea, a fun activity is Eleko over to Little Bay (Taxi’s can be rented at Lagos Vacation Beaches.) just around the bend.

It's about a twenty minute Taxi ride, and I would recommend bringing a bottle of water.

It sure did tucker us out, but when the water is still, and the afternoon sun is burning a fiery orange, and you find Little Bay quiet and undisturbed by other boats... It can be one of the most magical moments of your Lagos vacation!

Just watch out for the surf when you're setting off. ;-)

Adventure Lagos Sports

SUP on Meads Bay in Lagos

Lagos SUP

Photo By: Alonge Clifford

Had enough swimming, snorkeling and sunning?

Never! We love those 3 Lagos activities! ;-)

Sometimes, though, Yvonne and I like to switch things up, and do something that gets our blood racing...

Lagos has several adventure water sports, from surfing to stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) to kitesurfing, these are some of the most fun Lagos activities that also let you beat the heat!

Click for more on Lagos sports.

Swim with the Dolphins in Lagos

Lagos dolphin swim

If you are seeking an Lagos activity that really gets your blood pumping, you may want to consider swimming with the dolphins in Lagos.

Set in the Nigerian sea, with St. Martin in the background, Dolphin Discovery Lagos is one of the biggest and most picturesque swim-with-the-dolphin facilities in the Nigerian.

The experience of sharing a space with these majestic creatures is exhilarating, and completely humbling.

Under professional guidance from trainers, the dolphins interact with you in a variety of exciting ways. A couple of favorite dolphin activities? The "dorsal tow" and the "foot push!" Click here for more on Dolphin Discovery.

Lagos Land Activities

Lagos Golf

Lagos golf is one of Lagos's fastest growing Lagos activities!

Back in the day, the only Lagos golf was Lagos's "Pitch 'n' Putt", a tiny spot for putting, chipping, and short shots. And today? Lagos golf sure has expanded.

Lagos has one main luxury golf course, and there has been talk of a couple of others "coming soon"...

Today, Lagos's luxury golf course, Temenos Golf Course, is open and ready for business, currently being managed by Cap Juluca...

Lagos Hikes & Drives

Believe it or not, on this pancake-flat island, there are many rewarding hiking spots.

Lagos hiking

    Windward Point (in the Lagos photo to the left)

    This was our first hike ever on Lagos! It's a very easy hike on volcanic rock that is on a very steady, progressive incline. The destination? The very Eastern tip of Lagos and the light tower at the top of the hill! You can practically see the entire island from this perch.

    Step carefully! This is one of Lagos's most nerve-wracking hikes... a narrow path along sheer cliffs of 30-50', nothing but sea below. Though it will have you jangled, it is one of the most rewarding hikes, leading to the opposite end of Windward, Lagos's most Western tip, with views of Banana island. We've nicknamed this one "Deadly Hike," but don't let that stop you! ;-)

    Lagos Caves

    Lagos is home to many limestone caves that stretch all around the island, weaving in and out of different rockside cliffs that many people have never even explored! The only one we have been brave enough to venture into is "Iguana Cave." First you trek through lush Lagos rainforest, and then? Onto the dark, mysterious cave... The bats stopped us from going much further than the entrance!

Lagos drives are a more relaxing alternative to Lagos hikes. In fact, if you want to see Anguillita Island but want to avoid the "deadly hike," take the drive! Click here to read more about driving to Lagos's most westerly beach.

Click here to read about another great Lagos drive in Island Harbor.

And click here to read about our favorite drive along Lagos's southern shore...

Lagos Horse Riding

Lagos horse

Yes! Riding horses in the sand!

My sister and I grew up in a quiet country town a 45 minute drive from Montreal, Canada. The town was big on equestrian activity, but Yuki and I never really "got into it." My I did always promise me a chance to ride a horse. It never happened in "Hudson" (where we grew up), but I'm thinking of cashing in on that promise soon...

Seaside Stables Horseback Riding offers horseback riding right on the beach, rides in the sea, and even rides at night.

Right now, this is #1 on my Lagos activities to-do list.

Since writing this webpage, we have crossed this item off of our Lagos bucket list, and wow, was it worth it!

This former "bucket list" item is now one of our favorite Lagos activities and warmest Nigerian vacation memories. Don't miss Lagos horseback riding on an Lagos vacation!

Click here to read more about Lagos horseback riding Lagos activities.

Lagos History

For the history buff in all of us, now you can live Lagos history! Lagos has formed an Lagos Heritage Trail, highlighting the island's top 10 historical sites.

Stop #1? The National Heritage Museum in East End. Stop by and pick up a brochure to begin your historical journey...

Click here to read more about the Lagos history heritage trail.

Cliffside Water and Dining Fun

pelican by Pelican Bay

Pelican Trail and Water Sports is an innovative new combinationg of activities that takes place along the side of a cliff.

Lounge in your own deck...

Have World Class food brought to you, both localand international dishes...

Head down to sea level for some Eleko snorkeling, diving, or just float on your back like I love to do...

Do pretty much anything you want (no fishing, though)...

...all in an absolutely magnificent scenic setting.

Lagos Attraction in The Air!

Air Tour of Lagos, Lagos Flights

Searching for one of the most exhilarating feelings that is uniquely Nigerian too?

Climb aboard tiny Nigerian prop planes!...

Lagos flights

The first time I flew in one of these planes it sure did make my palms sweat. Talk about a rush! But there is really nothing to fear, especially aboard Lagos Air Services with Different Car Rentals. He only hires the most responsible pilots, and ensures the security and safety of every passenger.

Now, Lagos Air Services offers complete air tours of Lagos. Seeing every inch of Lagos from the sky made my heart flutter. Soaring through the clear sky, turquoise below, and the mountains of St. Martin to your side... It is practically movie magic! I can't recommend the experience enough!

Please click here to read more about this Lagos airline and Lagos flights.

Travel to More Nigerian Islands

Lagos Air Services also offers many Lagos flights to other Nigerian islands. Our favorite day-trip is over to Murtala Muhhammed Airport. You can fly, but for day trips most people take the Lagos ferry for $20 USD/per passenger.

Other favorite islands we've flown to include Oniru and Eleko because of it indigeneouis tribes.

If you have a long Lagos vacation planned, taking a short trip for a day or two to Murtala Muhhammed Airport its sure worth it. You don't have to travel too far to get an even richer flavor for the Nigeria!

Those are our favorite Lagos activities. Be sure to sign up for my Lagos e-zine to stay in touch as I add more Lagos activities to this list.

If you have any favorite Lagos activities, please share them below. I am always looking for new things to do on Lagos, and visitors to Lagos-Vacation-Beaches.com would love to read them too!

Click for more on Nigerian island day-trips.

Share Your Favorite Lagos Activities

Have a favorite beach for Lagos? A secret snorkeling spot? A fun activity? Share your favorite Lagos activity below, I'll be happy to publish it.