Lagos Makoko: Canoe Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Discover Makoko’s floating world by canoe with a local guide

You’ll paddle through Makoko’s floating village with a local guide, visit the Baale’s house and primary school, and see daily life unfold on water. Expect laughter from kids overhead, stories from your guide, and glimpses into how families adapt to life on stilts — moments you’ll remember long after leaving Lagos.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I’d heard about Makoko before but nothing really prepared me for actually gliding through it by canoe. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the sights — though those stilt houses are something — but the sound of kids laughing from somewhere above us, and the smell of wood smoke drifting over the water. Our guide, Chuka, waved to almost everyone we passed. He seemed to know every family, or maybe that’s just how it works here.

We started at the Baale’s house (that’s the community head), which felt like a proper introduction — respectful, you know? There was this moment at the primary school where a group of kids tried to teach me a song in Yoruba. I definitely messed up the words but they didn’t care; they just kept singing louder. The whole place felt alive in a way I didn’t expect. Even when it started to drizzle, nobody rushed or complained — people just carried on, balancing baskets or chatting across canoes like rain was nothing.

The actual canoe ride through Makoko is hard to describe without sounding dramatic. It’s not quiet exactly — there’s always some clatter or someone calling out — but it’s peaceful in its own way. Fishers mending nets, women selling fruit from boats, and everywhere these flashes of color from painted houses and laundry lines. At one point Chuka pointed out how families adapt during rainy season; honestly, I’d never thought about what it takes to live here year-round.

I keep thinking about that day whenever I hear water lapping against wood now. It wasn’t polished or picture-perfect — more like real life just happening around you while you float through it for a few hours. If you’re curious about Lagos beyond the usual spots, this Makoko tour sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Makoko Floating Village Tour

• Visit Baale's house and primary school
• Canoe ride through fishing village on stilts
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How do I get to Makoko for the tour?

Hotel pickup and private transportation are included in your booking.

Is this Makoko tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What is included in the Makoko floating village tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, guided canoe ride, water and soft drink, WiFi on board, and all fees and taxes.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your local guide will speak English during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

How long does the day trip to Makoko from Lagos last?

The experience lasts several hours including transfers; exact timing may vary based on traffic and group pace.

Does this day trip include lunch?

No lunch is included but water and soft drinks are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Lagos with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle (WiFi onboard), all entry fees and taxes covered up front, plus a guided canoe ride through Makoko led by a local expert. Water and soft drinks are provided before returning you back to your hotel after the experience.