Tarkwa Bay Beach Lagos
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Tarkwa Bay Beach Lagos

4.3
·3k reviews·Lagos, Nigeria

A sheltered island beach accessible by boat, offering a serene escape with activities like surfing and camping.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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Tarkwa Bay Beach Lagos

Tarkwa Bay Beach Lagos

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sheltered island beach accessible by boat, offering a serene escape with activities like surfing and camping.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"Tarkwa Bay is like a lost paradise, an affordable and ideal place for relaxing with family and friends."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Boat Ride Essentials

Factor in boat fares from jetties like CMS. Prices vary, so confirm before boarding.

💰 Affordable Entry

Enjoy the beach with a reasonable gate pass. Pack snacks to enhance your budget-friendly experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tarkwa Bay Beach

Tarkwa Bay Beach

Main beach area

A sheltered, popular beach perfect for swimming and relaxing. Enjoy the golden sands and ocean views.

Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse Beach

Extension of Tarkwa Bay

Discover this serene extension, home to beach houses and a unique shipwreck for photo ops.

Surfing Opportunities

Surfing Opportunities

GP Surf School

Catch some waves! Tarkwa Bay is a great spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

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Planning Your Visit

Boat Access is Key

Tarkwa Bay is an island, so boat transport is your only way in. Plan your ferry or water taxi from jetties like CMS or Fiki Marine. Weekdays are less crowded, offering a more relaxed vibe.

Budget-Friendly Beach Escape

Known as one of Lagos's most affordable beaches, Tarkwa Bay offers a great escape without breaking the bank. Pack your own food and drinks to save even more.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Non-festive periods
Why
Avoids peak season rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A view of atmosphere at our coming Escape to the coast weekend beach camp at Tarkwa bay beach, Lagos. #beachlife #lagosbeach #lagostiktok #beachvibes #capluxebrand #Lifestyle #dettydecember
@capluxestudios
55.4K likes • 262.5K views

🚢 Boat Ride Essentials

Factor in boat fares from jetties like CMS. Prices vary, so confirm before boarding. TikTokInstagram

💰 Affordable Entry

Enjoy the beach with a reasonable gate pass. Pack snacks to enhance your budget-friendly experience. TikTokReddit

Looking for a nice and relaxing place to spend the New Year? Try out Tarkwa Bay. #ikejarecord #tarkwabay #tarkwabaybeach #tarkwabaybeachtrips #tarkwabaysurfclub #tarkwabaybeachlagos
@ikejarecord
35.1K likes • 684.5K views
A DAY AT TARKWA BAY Must-Try Beach in Lagos! What does a fun day chilling with friends look like to you? If your answer is a day at the beach, you’re in the right place! Hey Weekenders 😍 We spent the day at Tarkwa Bay and here’s how it went… It’s just a 15-minute boat ride (we took the Banana Boat!), and totally worth it. There’s so much to do, from volleyball and surfing to flyboarding (yes, ...
thelagosweekender
374 likes • 12.5K views

🏕️ Overnight Camping

Stay overnight in tents or beach houses for a full island experience. Electricity is available for charging. TikTok+1

🏄‍♀️ Surf's Up!

Tarkwa Bay is a prime spot for surfing. Check out GP Surf School for lessons. TikTokReddit

Tarkwa Bay beach or Lighthouse beach? Which one would you rather visit? For a full review of these two beaches, read our ultimate guide for Lagos beaches. To get your own copy of the guide, comment “Beach Guide”, send us a DM or click the link in our bio. Our beach guide provides information on where to find.. 💰 the cheapest beaches 👑 the most-exclusive beaches 🏠 the most family-friendly beache...
ikejarecord
62 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Boat Ride Essentials

Factor in boat fares from jetties like CMS. Prices vary, so confirm before boarding. TikTokInstagram

💰 Affordable Entry

Enjoy the beach with a reasonable gate pass. Pack snacks to enhance your budget-friendly experience. TikTokReddit

🏕️ Overnight Camping

Stay overnight in tents or beach houses for a full island experience. Electricity is available for charging. TikTok+1

🏄‍♀️ Surf's Up!

Tarkwa Bay is a prime spot for surfing. Check out GP Surf School for lessons. TikTokReddit

📸 Shipwreck Photo Op

Find the abandoned shipwreck at Lighthouse Beach for unique photos and good vibes. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tarkwa Bay is celebrated as a beautiful, affordable island escape from Lagos, offering a serene atmosphere and various activities like surfing and camping. While the boat access and food quality are noted drawbacks, its natural beauty and friendly locals make it a highly recommended destination for a relaxing getaway.

"A beautiful place to spend the weekend with family. I appreciate their gate pass being fair enough for everyone to have access. You also need to pay for tents and you are given the opportunity to bring your food or any other refreshment. Find the best water transportation to get you there except you have other means to get there - I got a ride from Fiki marine. I recommend you plan your trip especially games or other entertainment"

Christiana Bassey

"Takwa bay is a hidden gem of an island, best to go on a weekday when it’s not too crowded. We went on a boat that took us from Walter Carrington jetty. The water is clean and has the perfect wave, plus you get two beach front in takwa, the one with the small mini bars and clubs and the one with just people who appreciate the beach and wants a good tan.

Only disadvantage is the food is bad, it’s advisable to bring your food and drinks especially if you are staying for a night or two.

They have decent lodges nothing too fancy. Activities like surfing, camping, ATV, jet ski are available there

If you are looking for an escape away from the city of lagos that also not too far away, Tarkwa bay is perfect if well planned

Highly recommend"

Janet Olagbaye

"Tarkwa Bay is like a lost paradise 😊. Asides from the little matter of the difficulty in getting here (since of course it's an island and you can't get here by road except by boats) Tarkwa Bay is an affordable and ideal place for relaxing with family and friends. Lots of outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, beach soccer ⚽. You can even lodge here and get great kebabs and other foods from the locals"

Nnamdy Onuorah

What People Like

Affordable beach experience
Serene island atmosphere
Surfing and water sports

What People Dislike

Inconsistent food quality
Boat access required

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tarkwa Bay is an island, so you must access it by boat. Jetties like CMS, Fiki Marine, and Walter Carrington jetty offer boat services. The ride is typically 15-30 minutes and costs around ₦1,000-₦3,500 per person, depending on the jetty and number of passengers. TikTokInstagram+3

The cheapest boat rides are often found at jetties like CMS. Prices can range from ₦500 to ₦3,500, so it's wise to inquire about fares before boarding. TikTokInstagram+1

No, Tarkwa Bay is an island and cannot be reached by road. Boat transportation is the only way to access the beach. TikTokInstagram

The boat ride to Tarkwa Bay typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the jetty and sea conditions. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take boats from various jetties including CMS, Fiki Marine, Napex Park, and Walter Carrington jetty. TikTokInstagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, there is an entrance fee, often around ₦500 per person. This fee helps maintain the beach facilities. Instagram+1

Tent rentals can cost around ₦20,000, while cabanas might range from ₦5,000 to ₦30,000 depending on size and group. It's best to inquire on arrival. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Bringing your own food and refreshments is highly recommended, as the food options can be limited or not to everyone's taste. TikTokReddit

Besides the boat fare and entrance fee, be aware of potential charges for renting chairs, tables, tents, or cabanas. Confirm prices beforehand. Instagram

Tarkwa Bay is generally accessible throughout the day, but boat services might have specific operating hours. Overnight stays are also possible. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach soccer, surfing, camping, jet skiing, and ATV rides. The shipwreck at Lighthouse Beach is also a unique spot. TikTokInstagramReddit

Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered beach, making it generally safe for swimming. However, always be mindful of the waves and currents. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can find decent lodges and rent tents for overnight camping. Some beach houses offer electricity for charging devices. TikTokReddit+2

The beach has restrooms and bathing facilities that are generally described as neat and decent. TikTokReddit

Yes, Tarkwa Bay offers beautiful scenery, including the beach, ocean views, and the unique shipwreck at Lighthouse Beach, making it great for photos. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While some food is available from locals and beach houses, including kebabs and fried seafood, many visitors recommend bringing your own food as quality can be inconsistent. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's highly advised to bring your own food and drinks. This ensures you have what you like and can save money, as food quality can be a downside for some. Reddit

There are some food vendors and beach houses that offer meals, but the selection might be limited. TikTokReddit

Yes, fresh coconuts are often available for purchase, providing a refreshing local treat. TikTokReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The main beach with its golden sands and ocean views is picturesque. Don't miss the unique shipwreck at Lighthouse Beach for dramatic shots. TikTokInstagram

Yes, the sunsets over the ocean at Tarkwa Bay can be stunning, offering beautiful lighting for photography. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tarkwa Bay is a wonderful destination for families looking for a fun day out or a weekend getaway. The sheltered waters make it safe for swimming, and there's plenty of space for kids to play on the sand. Reddit Consider packing a picnic with everyone's favorite snacks and drinks to ensure happy eaters. TikTokReddit

While there are activities like jet skiing, focus on the simpler joys like building sandcastles and playing beach games. The boat ride to the island can also be an exciting part of the adventure for children. Opting for a weekday visit will ensure a more relaxed and less overwhelming experience for the whole family. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Tarkwa Bay is renowned for being one of Lagos's most affordable beach destinations. The entrance fee is minimal, and by packing your own food and drinks, you can significantly cut down on expenses. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Look for shared boat rides from jetties like CMS to get the best fares. While there are options for renting tents or staying in lodges, these can add to the cost. For a truly budget-friendly experience, a day trip with a packed lunch is ideal. TikTokReddit

🏄‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For those craving adventure, Tarkwa Bay offers exciting opportunities. Surfing is a major attraction, with GP Surf School providing lessons for beginners and experienced surfers. TikTokInstagramReddit

Beyond surfing, you can try jet skiing and ATV rides for an adrenaline rush. The unique shipwreck at Lighthouse Beach also adds an element of exploration and discovery. TikTok Consider an overnight camping trip to fully immerse yourself in the island's adventurous spirit. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Getting to Tarkwa Bay: The Boat Journey

Reaching Tarkwa Bay is an adventure in itself, as it's only accessible by boat. Several jetties in Lagos offer services, with CMS and Fiki Marine being popular departure points. The boat ride typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes, offering scenic views of the Lagos coastline. Fares can vary, so it's wise to confirm prices before boarding, with costs generally ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦3,500 per person. TikTokInstagram+2

Some travelers mention specific boat services like the Banana Boat or water taxis, adding to the unique experience. Be prepared for potential checkpoints at sea, ensuring a secure journey. Planning your departure and return times is crucial, especially if you intend to stay overnight or wish to avoid the busiest periods. Instagram

Activities and Experiences at Tarkwa Bay

Tarkwa Bay offers a variety of activities for different interests. It's a fantastic spot for swimming and sunbathing on its clean, sandy shores. For the more adventurous, surfing is a major draw, with GP Surf School offering lessons for all levels. TikTokInstagramReddit

Beyond water sports, you can enjoy beach soccer, jet skiing, and ATV rides. For a truly immersive experience, overnight camping is popular, with options for tents and beach houses that often provide electricity for charging devices. Don't miss exploring the shipwreck at Lighthouse Beach, a unique spot for photos and local legends. TikTokReddit+3

Many visitors highlight the friendly locals and the overall serene atmosphere, especially on weekdays. It's a great place to escape the city bustle and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. TikTokInstagram+1

Planning Your Tarkwa Bay Visit: Tips from Travelers

To make the most of your trip to Tarkwa Bay, consider these practical tips from fellow travelers. Weekdays are highly recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. InstagramReddit+1

Packing your own food and drinks is a common piece of advice, as the quality of food available on the beach can be inconsistent. This also helps keep your trip budget-friendly. TikTokReddit While there are lodges and tents for rent, booking in advance, especially for overnight stays, is a good idea. TikTok

Remember to factor in the boat fares and entrance fees when budgeting. The beach is generally secure, with neat restrooms and bathing facilities available. Reddit For those interested in surfing, reaching out to surf schools beforehand can be beneficial. Reddit

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