Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year in Lagos. As December approaches, people start looking for places to relax, spend time with family, meet friends, and enjoy the festive season away from the usual traffic and busy city routine.

One of the most popular options is spending a day at the beach.

Lagos has several beaches and beach resorts where you can enjoy the ocean, eat local food, listen to music, take pictures, or simply relax by the water. Some are better suited for families, while others are popular with young people looking for music, nightlife, and a lively December atmosphere.

If you are planning to visit a beach during Christmas 2026, here are some Lagos beaches and beach destinations worth considering.

1. Landmark Beach

Landmark Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in Lagos and is located around the Victoria Island area.

The beach is part of the Landmark Lagos waterfront development and has become particularly popular among young people, families, tourists, and visitors looking for entertainment.

During the festive season, the area can become very busy, with restaurants, entertainment, music, games, and other activities available around the waterfront.

It is a good option if you want your beach visit to be more than simply sitting by the ocean.

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos

Best for: Friends, couples, tourists and entertainment

2. Oniru Beach

Oniru Beach is another popular option around Victoria Island and Lekki.

Its location makes it relatively convenient for people staying around Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island and other parts of Lagos Island.

The beach area is known for its lively atmosphere, especially during weekends and festive periods. Christmas visitors can expect a mixture of relaxation, food, music and entertainment.

If you are planning to visit during the Christmas period, it is worth checking the beach’s current entry arrangements and event schedule before travelling.

Location: Oniru, Lagos

Best for: Groups, couples and December outings

3. Tarkwa Bay Beach

Tarkwa Bay is one of the most distinctive beach destinations around Lagos.

Unlike many beaches that can be reached directly by road, Tarkwa Bay is accessed by boat. The journey itself can be part of the experience.

The beach has a more relaxed feel compared with some of the commercial beach resorts around Victoria Island and Lekki.

Visitors can spend time swimming, relaxing, taking pictures and enjoying the beach environment.

Because you need to use a boat to reach the beach, plan your trip carefully and use reputable boat operators. Weather and sea conditions can also affect access.

Location: Lagos Island waterfront

Best for: Adventure, groups and beach lovers

4. Elegushi Royal Beach

Elegushi Royal Beach is located in the Lekki area and is one of the beaches many Lagos residents consider when planning a beach outing.

Its location makes it convenient for people living around Lekki, Ajah and nearby areas.

The beach is especially active during weekends and festive periods, when more people head out to enjoy the December season.

There are usually food, drinks, music and entertainment options around the beach area.

If you prefer a lively beach outing rather than a quiet day by the water, Elegushi can be an option to consider.

Location: Lekki, Lagos

Best for: Groups, friends and festive outings

5. Ilashe Beach

If you want something quieter and more private, Ilashe is worth considering.

Ilashe is a beach destination on the Lagos waterfront that is particularly popular for private getaways, group trips and celebrations.

Getting there generally involves a boat ride, making it different from beaches that you can reach directly by road.

The area has private beach houses and accommodation options, which can make it suitable for groups planning to spend more time at the beach rather than making a short day trip.

During Christmas, Ilashe can be attractive for people looking to escape the city’s busy atmosphere.

Location: Lagos waterfront

Best for: Private getaways, groups and celebrations

6. Inagbe Grand Resort

Inagbe is another beach destination that offers more of a resort experience.

Located across the Lagos Lagoon, Inagbe can be reached by boat and offers visitors an opportunity to spend more time away from the busy city.

Depending on the resort’s current offerings, visitors may have access to accommodation, swimming, beach activities, food and other recreational facilities.

This makes it an option for people who want to turn their Christmas beach trip into an overnight or weekend getaway.

Best for: Families, couples and weekend trips

7. Atican Beach

Atican Beach is located in the Lekki area and is another option for people looking for a beach outing without travelling far outside Lagos.

The beach has a relaxed atmosphere and can be suitable for families, friends and groups.

During the Christmas season, beaches around Lekki can become considerably busier than normal, so visiting earlier in the day may be preferable if you want a more relaxed experience.

Location: Lekki, Lagos

Best for: Families and casual beach outings

8. Kuramo Beach

Kuramo is one of the well-known beach areas around Victoria Island.

Its location places it close to several hotels, restaurants and entertainment spots around Lagos Island.

The wider Kuramo area has undergone changes over the years, so visitors should confirm the current access arrangements and operating status of any specific beach venue before travelling.

For people staying around Victoria Island, Ikoyi or Lekki, it may be worth checking what is currently open around the area during the Christmas period.

Best for: Visitors staying around Lagos Island

9. Royal Beach

Royal Beach is another beach option around the Lekki axis.

It can appeal to visitors looking for a more straightforward beach day with friends or family.

As with other Lagos beaches, the experience can change considerably during December because of special events, crowds and seasonal entertainment.

Check current opening hours, entrance fees and event arrangements before setting out.

Best for: Groups and family outings

10. Landmark Waterfront and Beach Area

For visitors who want a combination of beach scenery, restaurants, entertainment and other activities, the Landmark waterfront area remains one of the more developed options to consider.

It is particularly suitable for people who do not want their entire outing to revolve around swimming or sitting on the sand.

You can combine the beach visit with food, entertainment and other activities around the development.

Best for: Tourists, couples, families and groups

How Much Does It Cost to Visit a Lagos Beach at Christmas?

The cost of a beach trip in Lagos depends heavily on the location, transportation, entrance fee, food, activities and whether you are attending a special Christmas event.

A basic beach outing could involve:

• Transportation
• Beach entrance fee
• Food and drinks
• Chair or cabana rental
• Boat transportation for beaches such as Tarkwa Bay or Ilashe
• Entertainment or activities
• Accommodation if you are staying overnight

December prices can also be different from normal prices because some venues introduce special festive events and packages.

For this reason, do not assume that the regular entrance price you saw earlier in the year will remain the same during Christmas.

Always check the beach’s current pricing before making your plans.

Best Time to Visit a Lagos Beach During Christmas

December can be extremely busy in Lagos, particularly from around the middle of the month through New Year’s Day.

If you want a quieter experience, consider going earlier in December or visiting on a weekday.

For people attending Christmas events, however, weekends and public holidays may offer more entertainment.

It is also important to consider traffic.

A beach that normally takes 30 minutes to reach could take considerably longer during the December rush.

Leaving early can therefore make a major difference.

What to Take to the Beach

Before leaving for a Lagos beach, consider taking:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A hat or cap
• Extra clothes
• Towels
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Power bank
• Cash and payment cards
• Drinking water
• Personal medication if needed
• Swimming clothes
• Plastic bags for wet clothes

If you are travelling with children, take extra clothes, snacks, water and other items they may need during the day.

Safety Tips for Visiting Lagos Beaches

The ocean is not the same as a swimming pool, so visitors should take water safety seriously.

Only swim in areas where swimming is permitted and where lifeguards or responsible beach staff are available.

Avoid entering the water when sea conditions appear dangerous.

Do not allow children to go into the water without close adult supervision.

If you are travelling to a beach by boat, use a reputable operator and follow the operator’s safety instructions.

It is also a good idea to keep your phone, wallet and other valuables secure.

Finally, avoid leaving rubbish on the beach. Take your waste with you or use the available waste bins.

How to Choose the Right Beach in Lagos

The best beach for you depends on the type of Christmas experience you want.

If you want entertainment and activities, consider more developed beach destinations around Victoria Island and Lekki.

If you want a quieter getaway, look at destinations such as Ilashe or Inagbe.

If you want an adventure, Tarkwa Bay can provide a different experience because of the boat journey required to reach it.

If you are travelling with children, consider the accessibility, facilities, swimming conditions and available family activities before choosing a beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beach to visit in Lagos during Christmas?

Lagos has several beaches and beach resorts that can be suitable during Christmas. The right choice depends on whether you want entertainment, a family outing, a private getaway, or a quieter beach experience.

Are Lagos beaches open during Christmas?

Many beach venues operate during the festive season, but opening arrangements can change. Some also hold special Christmas events with different entrance fees and operating hours.

Check with the specific beach before travelling.

Is December a good time to visit a beach in Lagos?

Yes, December is a popular period for beach outings in Lagos because many people are on holiday and looking for entertainment and relaxation. However, beaches can become significantly more crowded during the festive period.

How much should I budget for a beach trip in Lagos?

There is no single amount because costs depend on the beach, transportation, entrance fee, food, activities and whether you are staying overnight. Christmas events can also increase the total cost.

Can I visit Tarkwa Bay during Christmas?

Tarkwa Bay can be visited as a beach destination, but access requires a boat trip. Check current weather, sea conditions and access arrangements before travelling.

Which Lagos beaches are good for families?

Several Lagos beaches can work for family outings, but parents should check the available facilities, crowd levels and swimming conditions before visiting. Children should always be supervised around the water.

What should I wear to a Lagos beach?

Light, comfortable clothing and appropriate swimwear are practical choices. Also consider sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and an extra set of clothes.

Conclusion

Christmas is a great opportunity to explore a different side of Lagos, and a beach day can be a simple way to take a break from the city’s busy December schedule.

From the lively atmosphere around Victoria Island and Lekki to quieter destinations that require a boat trip, Lagos has different beach experiences for families, couples, friends and visitors.

Before you go, check the current entrance fee, opening hours, event schedule, traffic situation and weather conditions. Planning ahead can help you enjoy your Christmas beach outing without unnecessary surprises.