Day trip from Lekki: Epe fishing town and market
Fishing boats on the Epe lagoon at sunrise
One hour east of Lekki, Epe is a working lagoon town with fish markets, boat rides and none of the polish — a real change of pace.
What you’ll see
Epe sits at the end of the Lekki-Epe expressway, on the lagoon. The wet market opens at 6am and by 8am the day's catch is being gutted on the concrete — tilapia, catfish, giant crabs, smoked bonga. Prices are half of what supermarkets charge in Lekki. From the waterfront, hire a wooden pirogue for a lagoon tour at $15 to $25 for an hour, taking in the mangroves and stilt villages.
How to do it
Uber won’t take the fare; hire a driver for $50 to $70. Drive time 60 to 90 minutes each way. Bring cash — nowhere in Epe takes card. Combine with lunch at a lagoon-side pepper soup joint ($8 for grilled fish and jollof). Return via Lakowe Lakes for a golf-club sundowner if you’re feeling boujee — Epe to Lakowe is 40 minutes on quiet roads.
Before you book
What people ask before booking Epe.
Wednesday or Saturday market days for the full atmosphere. Sundays quieter but half the stalls closed.
Yoruba is dominant; English works fine in the market. Learn 'e ku aaro' (good morning) — it opens doors.
