Tarkwa Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Lagos and is among the oldest. If you have never been here before but are now looking for an affordable yet exclusive place to hang out one weekend, this Tarkwa Bay Beach: Full Guide And Review can help.
Tarkwa Beach remains one of the few beaches in the state where you can get some much-needed alone time without being interrupted. You are welcome to bring your friends if you prefer company.
As you prepare for your day trip to Tarkwa Bay, our guide will lead you to the important information you should know about the place. Our review, on the other hand, lets you know other patrons’ experiences.
Without further ado, let’s sail to Tarkwa.
Tarkwa Bay Beach
Tarkwa Bay is a sheltered beach that sits near the Lagos harbour. Due to it being an island, you can only get to this place by boat or water taxi.
Swimmers and water sports enthusiasts frequently flock to the Bay to swim to their hearts’ content. You’ll feel right at home because the locals are friendly.
Location
Tarkwa Bay is located close to Lagos Harbour; it is an island that exists on its own.
Gate Fee
The standard entrance fee to Tarkwa Bay Beach is N200. However, it varies depending on the day of the week. Patrons may be charged N500, which is still reasonable.
Please keep in mind that the Tarkwa Bay beach gate fee does not include the sitting area, activities, food, or drinks available on the beach. Although these additional costs are incurred, they are still very reasonable when compared to other locations.
A table costs N100, and each chair costs N300. You can rent a tent for N300 if you want to stay there.
Timings
Opening hours to Tarkwa Bay Beach are from 9 am to 6 pm. The last boat out of the island leaves at 6 pm.
This means that if you want to do more activities and make the most of your stay, you should arrive on the island as early as 6 a.m. (depending on where you’re coming from in Lagos) to beat the traffic and arrive on time.
How to Get to Tarkwa Bay Beach and Jetties
Remember that Tarkwa is an island, which means that to get there, you’ll take a water vessel that offloads directly at the place.
Below, we have outlined the directions to get to the Tarkwa Bay Beach location without any hassles:
- From CMS, Marina, you’ll get a speedboat that goes to Tarkwa Bay Beach for N1,000 – N1,500. This price covers your fare to and fro.
- An alternative option is to use Tarzan Marin’s services. This is a speedboat company. Their services cost the same price as going on a Marina boat, but you’ll reach your destination in 25 minutes.
- You can also choose to use Makwe Jetty services. This route favours you if you’re coming from the Bonny Camp axis. Makwe to Tarkwa is the same price as the other two ports, but this journey takes 15 minutes or less.
- A fourth option is to board a boat at FIKI Marina, which is at NO. 34-4, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Eti-Osa, Lagos. The return trip costs between N3,000 – N4,000 for adults and children.
Fun Activities To Do At Tarkwa Bay Beach
Tarkwa Bay Beach has a lot of interesting things to do, and it can be twice as fun if you enjoy water sports.
Swimming, surfing, beach soccer, and volleyball are popular activities there. You could also bring your favorite board games, such as Scrabble, Monopoly, or cards, to play with your friends.
On that note, these are the must-do activities to try at the island to take the fun up a notch:
1. Quad Biking
There are quad bikes available for rent at the spot. If you can get one, then take a leisure ride along the coast of the beach.
2. Jet Ski
For a price, you can ride a Jet Ski on the ocean. First-time riders get a guide that gives directives on how to operate the ski.
3. Surfing
The island’s waters are friendlier than those found on other Lagos beaches. The waves are small and the tide is ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
4. Volleyball
There is a volleyball court where you can have a nice volleying game with friends or interested patrons.
5. Beach Soccer
Not a volleyball enthusiast? Then play beach soccer with other people who share your ideas.
6. Fresh Fish
Although there are other food options available on the beach, eating the fresh fish barbecue will be the highlight of your day. Tarkwa, debatably, has one of the best grilled fresh fish in town. It’s now up to you to put that claim to the test.
Hotels To Stay In At Tarkwa Bay Beach
Although Tarkwa doesn’t have a hotel inside it, there are two hotels close to the island you can stay in if you don’t want to go back to the city the day you visit.
These hotels are Jaybee Beach Hotel and Lighthouse Beach Hotel. Both places provide luxurious experiences and suitable accommodations to make your night comfortable.
Tarkwa Bay Beach Reviews
Tarkwa Bay Beach is frequently visited by Lagos residents, who leave helpful hints for future visitors.
The authenticity of their comments about this location captures the true nature of the island.
1. Good For Friends
The boat ride to the location is an exciting adventure to share with friends. And getting away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos revitalizes and relaxes your entire group. There are also numerous enjoyable activities available.
2. Safe
People who have visited the beach frequently describe it as the best and safest. Clients are recommended to visit this location by tour guides.
3. Easy To Navigate And Organized
Tarkwa has greatly improved in terms of maintenance in recent years. Connecting with a tour guide also makes the place easy to navigate. The beach is also clean, so there’s nothing to put you off.
4. Affordable
One of the reasons why most people avoid beaches is the high cost of planning a trip there. There are exorbitant cab fares, gate fees, food, tents, cabanas, and hotels that few can afford.
However, on this island, everything is affordable while still of high quality. Food, tents, and activities are reasonably priced, so you can stay within your budget.
5. Safe Place To Swim Or Surf
Tarkwa Bay is the best place to surf in Lagos; you can ride the waves there without worrying about sinking or breaking an arm. The water is also suitable for swimming because it is not too deep.
Tarkwa Bay Beach Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have many questions about visiting here, especially if our guide has piqued your interest. In this section, we address the most frequently asked Tarkwa Bay Beach questions.
Yes, you are allowed to bring in food and beverages. The food sold inside is slightly more expensive than that sold outside; for example, a bottle of soft drink costs N250 inside but N150 outside. However, the choice is entirely yours.
1. Can I Bring My Own Food To The Island?
Yes, you are allowed to bring in food and beverages. The food sold inside is slightly more expensive than that sold outside; for example, a bottle of soft drink costs N250 inside but N150 outside. However, the choice is entirely yours.
2. When Is The Worst Time To Go To Tarkwa Bay?
It is best to avoid the Bay during the rainy season, especially between April and September. This is primarily because the only way to get to this location is by boat, and you’ll be putting yourself in danger because the sea level may rise during rainy seasons.
Wrap Up
To conclude, we’ll bid you farewell by giving you some tips that won’t just make your stay comfortable, but ensure that getting to the location is easy as well.
- Get to your jetty on time when going to the beach.
- Leave for the jetty before 6 pm to avoid rushing, especially if you came with a public boat.
- Keep your belongings safe.
- Pack lightly so that you don’t leave anything behind.
- Come with spare clothes if you’ll be swimming or surfing.
- Bring your swimwear (surfers and swimmers).
- Have enough money.
- Carry sunscreen with you.
- Have a cost guide.
| Activity | Cost |
| Horse ride | N500 – N1,000 |
| Chair and Tent | N300 |
| Table | N100 |
