Discovering the ‘waterside’ of Lagos

A mere look at the map of Lagos tells little of how much of aquatic splendor Lagos is. Stretching over 180 kilometres along the Guinea Coast of the Bight of Benin on the Atlantic Ocean, with sprawling but under-utilised beaches, pockets of islands and many riverine areas, Eko as it is popularly called by the indigenes, is more water than you can imagine.

You really need to set out on the waters to see the peaceful ‘waterside’ or rather the alluring side of Lagos where the tranquility of nature will not cease to amaze you. It is alluring, sporty, peaceful and natural. The unrelenting clapping of the rolling ocean water, the fresh sea breeze, the white sandy beaches dotted with coconut and the beautiful sight of merchantile vessels gradually making their ways to the two Lagos habours are among the dividends for those who dare to discover the waterside.

To discover the aquatic Lagos with a view of wooing the populace to take more to water leisure, transportation and outings in this New Year, a team of travel writers recently set out on an expedition aboard Tarzan Boats. The destinations include everything Lagoon in Lagos, pockets of islands, beaches sides, a private beach and riverine areas where Tarzan Jetty ferries cars and passengers alike to.

Before setting out that beautiful Saturday at the Jetty, the smiles on the face of Tarzan Shekoni-Balogun, CEO, Tarzan Boats, the organiser of the expedition, tells of sheer determination to succeed, despite the many odds the business has passed through, especially with the Lagos Mega City project that has fenced his business premises and many others almost out of the reach of passengers and customers.

The smile is his unique way of welcoming visitors and customers at the Lekki headquarters of the jetty.

As we set out on two boats, the Boatman, as Tarzan is called by his close friends, leads the way into the waters and maneuvers his own boat over pockets of water hyacinth that are making a sluggish movement in the water.  From the water, the beautiful Lagos Cable Bridge glows more, while ferrying under it is delightful.

As the two boats cruise through the lagoon towards Badore, a riverine area, further into the lagoon you easily notice the ocean breeze gently sways papers and other lightweight objects on the water. You cannot beat the magnificent sight as the boats pass through the Lekki Phase 1 on the right, and the much talked about Banana Island, said to be an exclusive abode for the super rich.

From the lagoon, Lekki Phase 1 looks like a decent settlement with little or no skyline that tends to tower over other structures, as the buildings were almost of the same height.

As one leaves the corridor between Lekki and Banana Island, the lagoon water becomes more active, tossing the boat up and down like a toy in the hands of a giant. But it is fun knowing that one is secured with life jackets and in the hands of the very skillful Tarzan Boat operators.

“While on water, make sure you put on the life jackets, relax your mind from fear, and you will enjoy the best of ride,” the Boatman assures, while navigating towards Badore shores. The colourful parade of large school of birds on that side of the lagoon is good for bird watching. From afar, you will wonder what sustain them on water, but on getting closer before the engine sound sends them up to the skies, you will notice them perching on silts used by fishermen to hold their nets.

Besides the birds, you will bypass pockets of island, and also sight the Egbin Power Station.

On getting to Badore, you will marvel at both the huge water hyacinth carpeting the water and the huge Tarzan Jetty facility. The jetty is leased to the commercial boat operator by the Lagos State government for 20 years. But the ongoing expansion work and the fleet of boat that ply Lekki-Badore-Ijede-Ikorodu Lekki route tell how much convenience passengers get and a booming business Tarzan wants to turn the boat ‘thing’ into.

“Water transportation is the quickest means of transportation to any part of Lagos. You saw the time it took us from Victoria Island to Badore. If we were to go by road, we could have spent hours before getting here. Water transportation is safe and cheap, but many, probably out of ignorance, would not want to use it,” the Boatman discloses.

From the Badore jetty to Ijede, Ikorodu by road could take almost a whole day if one takes into consideration the traffic gridlock of Lagos. But from Tarzan boat jetty, Badore to Ijede was less than 30 minutes.

From Ijede, the cruise heads to Ibeshe Island for a get together through Third Mainland, Carter and Apomgbo bridges then Lagos Marina, before busting out at Ogogoro, Snake Islands and Tin Can Port. From the lagoon, the Third Mainland Bridge is another beauty to behold. So also is Marina or rather Lagos skyline. The team then heads towards Badagry through the back of the Tin Can port. As the small boats speed past the giant cargo ships, it seems the piles of containers will come crashing down.

It is at this point that the cruise navigates closer to the pristine Lagos, where you are at home with the mangrove vegetation, stretch of islands covered with coconut trees, a number of beach houses and riverine communities, which Ibeshe Island, the team’s final destination, is among.

On getting to Ibeshe, an island between the lagoon and the ocean, the team disembarks. A five-minute walk opens the leisure door to Trazan Beach Ibeshe. It is simply exclusive for an unending fun.

There, you are a special guest of nature in a ‘home away from home’ setting. While on the beach, you can count the toes on the clear sandy beach, pick seafood shells, dance, swim, party and frolic in the best nature and man can offer.

Mr. Boatman’s intentions paid off. He succeeds in acquainting the writers with some of the aquatic endowments of Lagos, particularly the alternative means of transport that Lagos is blessed with, but which is largely not utilised.

So, you have no reason not to explore the waterside of ‘your’ Lagos this year. The boats are waiting for whoever cares for a trip in natures abode within as weak naira makes overseas trips more expensive than ever today.

Obinna Emelike