From the Atlantic coastline to lagoons, creeks, and rivers, Lagos is a water city with untapped tourism potential waiting to be realised.
“Lagos is naturally a waterfront city, but we have not fully told that story to the world,” said Ganiyu ‘Tarzan’ Balogun, President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON). He added that, if properly developed, Lagos waterways could compete with the world’s top urban water tourism destinations.
Bordered by water on almost every side, the city’s southern edge meets the Atlantic Ocean, while Lagos Lagoon and inland waterways flow through communities including Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Badagry, and Epe.
During a weekend boat cruise from Lekki to Ibeshe Beach, Balogun highlighted the historical significance of Lagos waters, which once served as trade routes and cultural lifelines. “Today, they offer a unique opportunity to redefine tourism in Africa’s largest city,” he said.
Interest in water-based tourism has grown in recent years, with boat cruises providing residents and visitors fresh perspectives of the skyline. From the calm waters of Five Cowrie Creek to sunset cruises around Victoria Island, the experiences offer a scenic alternative to Lagos’ congested roads.
“For many first-time visitors, the boat cruise completely changes their perception of Lagos,” Balogun said. “They are surprised by how peaceful and beautiful the city looks from the water.”
Beyond leisure cruises, Lagos waterways hold strong potential for cultural and heritage tourism. Coastal towns like Badagry tell stories of pre-colonial trade, migration, and the transatlantic slave route. “Arriving in Badagry by water gives visitors a deeper emotional connection to the town’s history,” said Chief Sunday Avoseh, a cultural guide.
Eco-tourism is also emerging as a major opportunity. Mangrove forests, fishing villages, and wetlands around Epe and Lekki offer kayaking, birdwatching, sport fishing, and nature tours. Environmental experts stress that tourism development must go hand in hand with conservation to protect ecosystems while creating local jobs.
Despite the promise, challenges remain. Balogun cited safety concerns, limited infrastructure, water pollution, inconsistent regulation, and difficulties in fuelling boats as key hurdles. “Boat operators struggle to access fuel safely, and this is a major challenge in promoting water tourism,” he said.
A senior Lagos State Waterways Authority official, speaking anonymously, said efforts are ongoing to improve safety, expand ferry routes, and encourage private sector participation. “Tourism on water is part of our long-term vision,” the official added.
As cities worldwide leverage their waterfronts to boost tourism and quality of life, Lagos stands at a crossroads. With strategic planning and sustainable investment, the city’s waterways could become a defining feature of its tourism identity, offering visitors a unique way to experience Lagos—by water.