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Makoko Floating Community Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Nigeria
Great choice
5+ bookings last month.
  • 2 to 4 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Venture off the typical tourist track and learn all about the Makoko community that lives in houses on stilts on this private tour. Discover the true heartbeat of Lagos as you travel by canoe to explore how this community lives its day-to-day life. Your guide sheds light on the community's history, fishing culture, and how they cope with the rainy season.
  • Round-trip transfers from your location of choice provided for ease
  • No need to share this private tour—enjoy a personalized experience
  • Explore the floating village on stilts and learn its unique history
  • See homes, schools, churches, and business that thrive in the settlement

What's Included

  • Bottled water
    Water and soft drink
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private transportation
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Guided Tour

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup points

    Select a pickup point

    Itinerary

    1

    Makoko

    2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    4.9
    based on 46 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Unforgettable one of a kind Lagos experience

    Brian_F, Sep 2026
    This is a one of a kind experience in an endangered community. The tour host was well acquainted with the community and well-known by the residents. It was arranged by a reputable and reliable company. Unlike many other tours, this is an experience you are unlikely to forget. The enthusiasm of the children was contagious and will surely touch your heart. We rode in a boat/canoe that was identical to the others. You’ll walk down close quartered courtyards and alley ways as well as view the inside of one or two of the quarters. The narrow waterways could be crowded, but we were in good hands — of which yours should stay inside of the boat. It begins with a meeting with the village elder and ends with the children. Not to be missed if you are visiting Lagos.

    Makoko as a solo female traveller

    Gauri_K, Aug 2026
    This tour was absolutely brilliant! I was in two minds whether to go as I was super intrigued to visit Makoko while at the same time I didn’t want to be like an intrusive tourist, and I was also considering my safety as a young solo female traveller. My tour guide lead was a woman and so friendly and when we entered Makoko we were then greeted and led by their local guide called Respect, son of one of the chiefs. He was such a lovely, warm and knowledgeable human and kindly welcomed me to briefly visit his home area, family members (including the Chief!) and extensively around Makoko - on land and the parts of the village on water. He runs a local orphanage school and so most of the children know him and are clearly so happy to see him - so expect lots of children to run towards you in joy because you are with Respect! I wish I came with a small donation - either cash or food/books - but I later made an online donation that was suggested. The other guide who picked me up from my hotel was with us at all times and another younger man also accompanied us, taking pictures throughout the tour, which were great to look back at afterwards. I went during rainy season and the smells from the water can be quite potent, and the ground was rather water logged and muddy - so it’s worth wearing shoes you don’t mind getting dirty or can be easily cleaned. It is a humbling experience but worthwhile if you are up for it. P.S Makoko seem to be Aston Villa fans?!!

    Response from Host, Sep 2026

    Thanks for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour

    Great experience

    Edoardo_D, May 2026
    A unique and eye-opening experience. Visiting Makoko offered a different perspective on Lagos and its people. The boat ride through the community was very interesting and gave me a deeper understanding of daily life in this remarkable part of the city. Highly recommended.

    Response from Host, Jun 2026

    Thanks for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour

    Precious experience in Nigeria

    Kenji_Y, Jan 2026
    The Driver don't know how to go to "Makoko". So, it takes long time to arrive Makoko. This is not good. Makoko is a great place. The tour fee is a little expensive.

    Challenging conditions, but great tour!

    Lola_F, Mar 2025
    We had a great guide, named "Respect". He was very informative, and it was wonderful to interact with the children. I am hopeful that the leaders of the country, give financial help, as it is very much needed.

    Response from Host, Mar 2025

    Thanks for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour

    Excellent but pricey tour

    Kathleen_K, Jul 2024
    This tour was one of the highlights of my trip to Nigeria and the best one I attended. The person giving the tour was the son of a community leader in the town and did an excellent job showing me around, explaining about their community and hopes for the future. I went on a Sunday so got to hear the vibrant church services but not see the kids at school. If you want that latter experience, I’d recommend choosing a weekday. The price was expensive (about 200 US dollars for about 90 minutes in the community) and I hope that was due to a large portion of that is going back to the community to help with their efforts to improve children’s education rather than most going to the tour agency. My one disappointment is I wish I had been invited into their church especially after tipping the church leader after being asked to do so. I suppose I could have asked but as hospitality wasn’t extended in that part, it felt rude to force the issue.

    Response from Host, Jul 2024

    Thanks for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour.

    Once in a lifetime experience

    Mehmet_C, Dec 2023
    One of the best experience I have ever had. You feel like in a documentary. Kids at the school were fantastic and full of smile. You feel super peaceful among them. I should have spend more time there.. Boat trip was another level of experience, kinda once in a lifetime. Only negative thing I can say, it was a bit short trip. It might be like an hour longer..

    Response from Host, Feb 2024

    Thanks for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the tour

    If you’re thinking about it just go

    Daneil_D, Aug 2023
    Truly one of the most memorable parts of my trip. I went solo and felt very safe with my guide. Seeing a different part of the land opened my eyes. If you’re thinking about going just do it. Look at life from a different perspective. The travel group I booked through was also very accommodating. I will be booking with the company again in the future

    Response from Host, Sep 2023

    We are glad you found the tour interesting. Thanks for your feedback and recommendations.

    This is a great tour to...

    ZHANG_D, Nov 2022
    This is a great tour to see how is this special village in Lagos, and what I’ve seen will be a great memory in the future. The tour is very safe, all things are arranged and you don’t need to worry anything. Highly recommend, thank you!

    Response from Host, Dec 2022

    Thanks for your kind review and we are glad you enjoyed the tour
    Member Pricing
    From

    $91.20

    per person
    Was $96.00(-5%)

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 12 days in advance.

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