Things to Do at Elegushi Beach Lagos: A First-Timer’s Guide

Elegushi Royal Beach is one of the best-known beaches in Lagos. If you have never been, it can feel like a lot. There is a main gate, many different spots along the sand, loud music and a crowd, especially on weekends. People on social media also give very different advice about what to expect.

This guide keeps it simple. It tells you what you can actually do there, how the day usually flows, and how to avoid the common mistakes first-timers make. It is written from Athena Beach, one of the beach clubs on the Elegushi stretch in Lekki.

What is Elegushi Beach?

Elegushi Royal Beach is a stretch of shoreline in Lekki, Lagos, on the Atlantic coast. Several beach clubs and event spaces sit along it. Each has its own seating, food and music. You pass through one main gate to enter the beach, and then you choose where to spend your day.

Think of it like a shopping complex. The gate gets you into the compound. Each club is a different shop inside.

Pay the gate fee first

Every visitor pays at the Elegushi main gate before reaching any club. In May 2026, Nairametrics reported that the gate usually costs ₦1,000 to ₦2,000. That fee is separate from what you pay at the club you choose. Prices change, so treat this as a guide and not a fixed rate.

1. Swim in the lagoon pool

The Atlantic at Lagos beaches can have strong currents, so many visitors prefer the pool. Athena has a lagoon pool right beside the cabanas. You can swim, float, or sit at the edge with a drink. If you are bringing children or friends who are not confident swimmers, the pool is the safer place to be.

2. Book a cabana or take a lounger

You do not have to sit on the open sand. Athena’s cabanas and tables include a shaded cabana by the pool, striped lounges under umbrellas, loungers on the sand facing the sea, and a covered lounge with deep sofas. The covered lounge is useful when the afternoon sun is too strong or a rain shower passes.

Seating is quoted when you enquire, so send the date, time and number of people on WhatsApp (+234 913 700 3777) before you travel.

3. Eat your way through seven kitchens

Athena has seven kitchens, and each one cooks something different:

• Dundun: open-flame suya and native pots
• Tamtam: grills and seafood platters
• Boba: shawarma and tacos
• Bowls: native soups and comfort food
• 355: steaks and pasta
• Silken Scoops: ice cream and waffles
• All The Good Stuff: fire-finished pizza

A group of five can eat five different meals and share. Our guide to the seven kitchens explains each counter in more detail. The menu and prices are on athenabeachmenu.com, so you can plan before you arrive.

4. Catch the sunset

Around half past six in the evening, the sun drops towards the water and the statue of Athena at the head of the pool turns gold. It is the best time for photos. Plan your group picture for then, not at noon when the light is harsh.

5. Stay for the night

Athena is open every day from 10am to 3am, so a beach day can turn into a night out without you moving anywhere. After dark, the stage on the sand lights up with a DJ and the sand becomes the dance floor. Check the what’s on page to see which nights have events.

6. Celebrate something

Many people come to Elegushi for birthdays, small launches and long family lunches. If you are planning one, read about private events at Athena.

What past visitors say

Guests often describe the same feelings. One TikTok creator said Athena offered luxury and good vibes in equal measure. Another compared the look and calm of the pool to the Maldives. A visitor who came on a quiet weeknight said only a few people were around and guessed that weekends would be far busier. Nairametrics also reported that Sunday is Elegushi’s busiest day.

What to bring

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A power bank for your phone
• A light cover-up for the evening breeze
• Your ID and some cash for the gate

What to wear

Athena’s dress code is coastal elegant. That means relaxed, clean and put together. Think linen, light dresses, resort shirts and nice swimwear with a cover-up. You do not need to dress up like it is a wedding, and you should not look like you came straight from the gym.

Tips for your first visit

1. Message before you go. Ask about seating and what is happening on your day.
2. Go early for space. Arrive in the early afternoon if you want a good spot and a quiet pool.
3. Avoid the busiest day if you dislike crowds. Sunday is the busiest, so a weekday gives you more room.
4. Tell your group about the gate fee. Nobody likes a surprise at the entrance.
5. Plan the way home. Lagos traffic after a beach day can be long, so leave earlier than you think.

Final thoughts

The best things to do at Elegushi Beach are simple. Swim, eat well, find a comfortable seat, catch the sunset and, if you still have energy, stay for the music. Athena puts all of that in one place, with a lagoon pool, seven kitchens, covered seating and a stage, and it stays open until 3am. For your first visit, choose a day, message the team on WhatsApp (+234 913 700 3777) for seating, and pay the gate fee on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Elegushi Beach gate fee?

Nairametrics reported in May 2026 that it usually costs ₦1,000 to ₦2,000. This is separate from your seating and food at a beach club.

What can I do at Elegushi Beach?

You can swim, relax in a cabana or lounger, eat from different kitchens, watch the sunset, attend a party or host a private event.

What time does Athena Beach open and close?

Athena is open every day from 10am to 3am.

What is the best day to visit Elegushi Beach?

Sunday is the busiest, which suits you if you want energy and crowds. A weekday is quieter and gives you more space.

What should I wear to Athena Beach?

The dress code is coastal elegant. Wear light, clean, relaxed clothes with swimwear underneath if you plan to swim.