The view from the boat crossing the Lagos waterway

Getting Here

Twenty-fiveminutes out.

Ilashe Island sits on the Lagos Atlantic coastline between Tarkwa Bay and Badagry. There is no road to Ilashe — every visitor arrives by boat. The crossing takes about twenty-five minutes, from Lekki Phase 1 or Victoria Island. We book the boat for you — it is priced separately from the house, starting at ₦750,000 return for up to 15 passengers.

One

We pick you up from Lekki Phase 1 or Victoria Island — whichever is easier for your group. The exact location and your departure time come once the booking is confirmed.

Two

Twenty-five minutes across, out along the coast. Boats are covered and every passenger gets a life jacket before departure. Most people spend the ride taking photographs.

Three

We meet the boat, take your bags and walk you in. There is nothing to check into and nothing to queue for.

A supply vessel on the water, seen from the boat rail during the crossing

The crossing

It is part of the day, not a chore

You leave the Lagos waterfront, pass the working harbour, and then the city drops away. By the time the container cranes are behind you the water has gone green and there is nothing ahead but coast.

Boats do not run late at night, so we agree your return crossing when you book.

What to bring

Short list. The nearest pharmacy is back on the mainland, so bring anything you actually need.

  • A dry bag, or a plastic bag for your phone on the crossing
  • Sunscreen, a hat, something for the sun after midday
  • A dry bag, or a plastic bag for your phone on the crossing
  • Any medication you take — there is no pharmacy on the island
  • Sunglasses — there is no shade on the water
  • Towels are here. Leave yours at home.

Questions we get

Can I drive to Ilashe?
No. Ilashe is an island with no road access. Every guest arrives by boat, a crossing of about twenty-five minutes from Lekki Phase 1 or Victoria Island.
Is the boat safe?
Life jackets are mandatory for every passenger including children, boats are covered, and they do not run late at night or in poor weather. If conditions are unsafe on your date we will tell you and move the booking.
What does the boat cost?
The boat is priced separately from the house. ₦750,000 return for up to 15 passengers, ₦950,000 for up to 30, and larger boats chartered in on request. You book it through us.
How early should I arrive at the jetty?
Give yourself room. Boats leave on schedule, and Lagos traffic is far and away the most common reason guests miss theirs.
Can I bring my own boat?
Yes. Send us your captain's details and we will give them our landing point and an arrival window.
How do forty guests get to an island?
We charter a larger boat, or run more than one crossing, so everyone lands inside the same window. We handle the schedule and brief the captains; you handle the guest list.
I am coming from the airport.
Send us your landing time and we will set your boat around it. Bear in mind that boats do not run late at night, so a late flight usually means crossing the next morning.
What if it rains?
Light rain does not stop crossings. If conditions are genuinely unsafe we will not put you on the water — we can bring you in by road instead, for a separate charge, and your boat transfer fee is refunded.
Is there a public boat to Ilashe?
No. Ilashe is a private beach community with no public beach access and no scheduled public ferry. Access is through the house you have booked.
A vessel on the Lagos waterway during the crossing

We will sort the boat

Send us a date. Your departure time and the jetty pin come the day before you travel.

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