Badagry sits on the lagoon west of Lagos, close to the border with the Republic of Benin. For more than three centuries it was one of West Africa's slave ports. Today it is the most important day trip you can take from Lagos, and the one most visitors say they will never forget. Here is how to plan it.
What to see in Badagry
Badagry Heritage Museum
Housed in a colonial-era administrative building, the museum walks you through the history of the slave trade: how captives were taken, held, traded and shipped. The exhibits are hard to look at, and that is the point. Start here, because it gives the rest of the day its context.
The slave relics museums
Family-run museums in the town, including the Seriki Faremi Abass Slave Museum and the Mobee Family Slave Relics Museum, keep chains, shackles and records from the trade. Local guides from the families tell the story in their own words.
The First Storey Building in Nigeria
Missionaries built this house in 1845, and it is traditionally described as the first storey building in the country. It is a short, quieter stop that tells a different part of Badagry's history: the arrival of Christianity and Western education.
The Point of No Return
This is the heart of the day. You cross the lagoon by boat to Gberefu Island, then walk the path that captives were marched along to the Atlantic shore and the waiting ships. The walk takes a while in the heat, so pace yourself and bring water. At the shore, take some quiet time. Many visitors describe it as the moment the history stops being abstract.
A simple plan for the day
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Leave Lagos Island, Ikoyi or Lekki |
| 9:00 | Badagry Heritage Museum |
| 10:30 | Slave relics museum and the First Storey Building |
| 12:00 | Boat crossing and walk to the Point of No Return |
| 14:00 | Late lunch in Badagry |
| 15:00 | Head back to Lagos |
Tips before you go
- Go with a driver. The expressway can be slow and unpredictable, especially in December. A driver who knows the route saves hours.
- Carry small notes. Entry fees, guides and the boat crossing are usually paid in cash.
- Dress for heat. Light clothing, a hat and closed shoes for the island walk.
- Prepare children. Talk about the history beforehand, in words that suit their age. Our diaspora family guide has suggestions.
- Be respectful. Ask before photographing people, and keep your voice low at the memorial sites.
Badagry with Mylocal Tours
Our Black History experience combines Badagry with the Brazilian Quarter on Lagos Island, where some formerly enslaved Africans returned from Brazil and built new lives. We handle the transport, timing and local guides. Planning around the December season? See our Detty December 2026 hub.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Badagry day trip from Lagos?
Plan a full day. Allow about two hours each way in normal traffic, and four to five hours in Badagry itself. Leave by 7am and aim to be back in Lagos by evening.
What is the Point of No Return in Badagry?
It is the spot on the Atlantic shore of Gberefu Island where captives were marched to the slave ships. You reach it by a short boat crossing and a walk across the island.
What should I bring to Badagry?
Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable closed shoes for the island walk, and cash in small notes for entry fees, local guides and the boat.
Plan your December with Mylocal Tours
Tell us your dates, your group and what you love. We will curate the days, handle the driving, and send you a personal quote.