Haters say that Lagos is a counterfeit coastal city that doesn’t have free and unregulated access to beaches, and they’re probably right. On Lagos Island, the coast has been chopped into numerous private beaches with entry fees and large crowds. These beaches serve the purpose for many Lagosians—maybe not the average Lagosian—but that’s a discussion for another day.
However, for bougie Lagosians who love exclusivity and hate large crowds, barely any of these beaches create the perfect experience. All hope isn’t lost though, as there’s a hidden gem along the coast—an island called Ilashe. Ilashe beach is a picture-perfect island with an ambiance of exclusivity for those who want to escape from the urban chaos. This guide is tailor-made just for you and has everything you need to know to have a fun day at Ilashe beach.
How To Get to Ilashe Beach
The most complicated part about planning a beach day at Ilashe is figuring out how to get there. Ilashe is an island, so naturally, the only way to get there is by water. This is one of the many attractions of Ilashe, because the 30 to 45-minute boat ride to the island is also an exciting experience.
Choosing the right boat company is a critical decision as you’ll need a secure way to transport yourself, your friends and belongings to your chosen beach house in one piece. There are a few different options regarding transportation to Ilashe beach, each with its pros and cons and varying costs.
Banana boats
If you’re a true bougie Lagosian, you’ll probably skip this section. Banana boats are small motor boats that can carry up to 10 people at a time for as low as ₦3,000 per person for one trip. The low cost of these banana boats make it a great choice for people who want to visit a beach house on the Ilashe island on a budget. On the other hand, it can be a little scary riding in banana boats because they’re so close to the water.
Private boat companies
This option is for the true bougie Lagosians. Not only is this a relatively safer option than the banana boat, but it’s also more exclusive, and of course, a lot more expensive. Renting a private boat to go to Ilashe can cost anything between ₦50,000 and ₦500,000 depending on the size of the boat and the company you use. Here are three very popular boat rental companies that offer a wide range of boats you can choose for your Ilashe journey.
Boat Naija
Boat Cruise Lagos
Lagos Boats
The best times to visit Ilashe vary depending on personal preference and weather conditions. However, mornings and weekdays often offer quieter crowds and calmer waters, ideal for those seeking a more tranquil experience. Departure points typically include popular marinas such as Lagos Yacht Club or Lekki Phase 1 Jetty, with departure times varying throughout the day to accommodate different schedules.
Popular Beach Houses at Ilashe Beach
Unlike other beaches on Lagos island, there aren’t really any public beach spaces on Ilashe island. To make the most of your day at Ilashe, you have to book a beach house. There are many options available depending on your preferences and budget, so here are a few popular beach houses in Ilashe and a few things you need to know about them.
Villa Eduardo
Villa Eduardo is a beach house on Ilashe island that can be rented for both day visits and overnight stays. It has a large outdoor space with a swimming pool, cabanas and a small football pitch. Inside the beach house, there’s a functional kitchen, lounge area and about four rooms with balconies that overlook the breathtaking beach view. The cost of booking Villa Eduardo can range from ₦400,000 to ₦1,500,000, depending on what level of access to the beach house you need.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse beach had a very popular beach house on the Tarkwa Bay island but last year, their Ilashe location grew a lot more popular. Its major attractions are its swim-up rooms—rooms that have direct access to the swimming pool, and other activities it has to offer.
A day visit here costs ₦35,000 per person and ₦175,000 for access to a swim-up room, and the cost of staying overnight at this beach house ranges from ₦175,000 to ₦250,000 depending on what room you choose. There are also add-on activities like fishing, a floating breakfast, paint & chill, and more.
Cove Beach House
Cove beach is a unique choice because not only does it have overnight stay rooms inside the beach house, but it also has outdoor chalets that are perfect for romantic getaways. This beach house was designed with a white and blue palette that fits perfectly with the view of the beach. Booking Cove Beach can cost up to ₦1,500,000, depending on what access you need at the beach house. This ranges from booking the whole beach house including all the rooms and chalets for overnight stays or just access to the outdoor space for a beach party.
Pura Vida Beach
When it comes to aesthetics, this beach house takes the cake. Pura Vida is a luxury beach house that’s a perfect venue for weekend getaways, parties and even weddings. It has a large swimming pool, several cabanas in its outside space and rooms for day visits and overnight stays.
Due to its positioning as a luxury beach house, it’s a bit more expensive than the other beach houses on this list. It can cost up to ₦2,000,000 or more to book Pura Vida, depending on what facilities you’d like to have access to.
With its growing popularity as an exciting beach destination, booking a beach house in advance is crucial, especially during weekends and holidays when everyone is planning leisure activities. Ilashe beach’s limited number of beach houses means availability can fill up quickly, leaving latecomers scrambling to secure a spot.
To avoid disappointment and ensure your preferred dates and beach houses are still available it’s advisable to plan and book well in advance. Booking a couple of weeks in advance guarantees the opportunity to snag the perfect beach house for your stay.
Activities and attractions at Ilashe Beach
For many people, a fun day at IIashe beach means a beach party. Parties are great, but there are a few other activities that any adventure-seeker would love at Ilashe beach.
Beach picnics
There’s no better way to soak up the relaxing ambiance of Ilashe beach than with a beach picnic. You can either pack a basket filled with your favourite snacks and refreshments, spread out a blanket on the soft sands or on the table at a cabana. At some beach houses like Lighthouse Beach, there’s a floating breakfast option which gives you the allure of a picnic on water!
Quad biking
Get your adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating quad biking ride along the sandy shores of Ilashe beach. Some beach houses come with free quad bike rides, but you can also rent a quad bike from some of the locals on the island. A quad bike is a great way to explore the island’s terrain and coastline.
Jet ski
For water lovers, Ilashe island happens to be surrounded by the Badagry creek on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. So that makes it the perfect destination for you to hop on a jet ski and zip across the waves of either side of the island. Some beach houses on Ilashe have jet skis for rent, so you can rent one there.
5 things you should know before visiting Ilashe beach
Before you set out for a day of sun, sand, and excitement at Ilashe Beach, it’s essential to be well-prepared for your adventure. Here are five insider tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- The journey to Ilashe typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the size and speed of the boat.
- When packing for your day at Ilashe Beach, bring plenty of sunscreen, along with sunglasses, hats, and lightweight clothing to stay cool in the tropical heat.
- While some beach houses may offer catering or dining options, it’s always a good idea to bring along your own food, snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Upon arrival at Ilashe island, you’ll need transportation from the jetty to your chosen beach house. There are SUVs driven by the locals at the jetty for this, and they cost about ₦3,000 per trip.
- It’s worth noting that there may be occasional security checks conducted by police or the Nigerian military on the water, particularly to deter illegal activities such as drug trafficking. As long as you’re adhering to the law and enjoying your day responsibly, you can relax and focus on making the most of your time at Ilashe Beach.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or socialising, the ambiance of Ilashe beach will wash away your worries and excite you. Ilashe promises an unforgettable beachside experience that will leave you longing to return again and again.
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