REVIEW · LAGOS TOURS

Bottom Fishing Lagos

★ 4.8 · 141 reviews 4 hours From $70 Operated by Costa D'oiro · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Fish, cliffs, dolphins, and dinner can fill one morning. Bottom Fishing Lagos makes sea fishing easy for beginners, with bait, rods, tackle, and the required license included. I especially like the crew’s hands-on help and the chance to keep your catch, while the views near Lagos add more than just fishing to the outing.

The main consideration is comfort. One participant wished there had been water on board, and another advised using the toilet before departure. Sea conditions can also affect your morning, so arrive rested and take seasickness seriously.

Key points at a glance

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Key points at a glance

  • Three fishing stops are possible: One group caught nearly 25 fish between five people after stopping at three locations.
  • The crew does the fiddly work: Guides help bait hooks, explain fish, replace bait, and remove catches from the line.
  • Your catch can become lunch: Fish are placed on ice, and one crew member suggested a local restaurant that cooked the catch for a small fee.
  • The scenery is part of the trip: You might see Lagos cliffs, caves, dolphins, and tuna feeding offshore.
  • Beginners fit right in: Families, teenagers, first-time anglers, and experienced fishers have all enjoyed the format.
  • The price is sensible for a four-hour outing: At $70 per person, the included equipment, license, bait, and crew assistance make this more than a simple boat ride.

Setting out from Lagos Marina

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Setting out from Lagos Marina

Your morning begins at the Lagos Marina pontoon, at Costa D’oiro Passeios Marítimos. The boat returns to the same place after four hours, so you do not need to arrange transport between the start and finish.

That simple arrangement matters in Lagos. You can walk to the marina, find the pontoon, and keep the rest of your day open for the old town, beaches, or a long lunch. The exact departure time depends on availability, so check the schedule before you make other plans.

The experience is offered in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. That is useful on a mixed boat, especially when the crew is explaining how to bait a hook or what kind of fish you have brought up. The captain on one outing was from Lagos, spoke fluent English, and helped connect people from different countries.

The boat has a toilet and GPS, according to one detailed account, though you should not expect a fully serviced sightseeing vessel. One participant specifically wished for water on board and suggested using the toilet before sailing. Bring your own drinking water unless the operator tells you otherwise.

A few more Lagos options side by side

The first run to the fishing grounds

Bottom Fishing Lagos - The first run to the fishing grounds

The trip is described as sightseeing in Lagos for four hours, but fishing is the main event. You leave the marina, head toward selected fishing spots, and spend the morning working the bottom with the supplied gear.

The crew’s local experience is important here. Bottom fishing depends on being in the right place, and the company highlights its choice of strategic locations. You are not simply handed a rod and sent off to guess what to do. The captain and mate help get the lines ready and keep an eye on how everyone is managing.

That support is especially useful if you have never fished from a boat. Several first-time fishers were able to catch fish with help from the crew. Guides assisted with baiting, explained the species, changed bait when needed, and removed fish from hooks.

You should still expect a group activity rather than private instruction. The crew has to watch several lines at once, so the amount of one-to-one help may vary during a busy period. The upside is the shared energy when several people start catching fish close together.

Fishing at several Lagos locations

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Fishing at several Lagos locations

The boat may stop at more than one place during the four-hour session. One family group reported three fishing locations and almost 25 fish between five people. Another outing produced 37 fish with substantial help from the crew, while a smaller party caught about 14.

Those numbers are encouraging, but they are not a promise. Fishing is never perfectly predictable, and the size and type of catch can change. The fair expectation is a good chance to catch local fish, not a guaranteed haul large enough to feed everyone.

The style of fishing suits mixed groups. Children and teenagers can take part, but adults need to stay involved and listen to the crew. A 10-year-old beginner received patient help, while a young son on another trip enjoyed the outing even though some people in the group had much more fishing experience.

You may catch a range of species. Reports include snapper, eel, and smaller local fish. Tuna were seen feeding in the distance on one outing, but seeing tuna does not mean you will catch them. The crew also follows regulations and helps decide which fish are suitable to keep.

That last point is worth noting. You do not simply keep everything that comes aboard. Fish that are too small may be returned to the sea, while legal catches can be kept by you. This gives the trip a practical lesson in responsible fishing without turning the morning into a lecture.

Cliffs, caves, and the possibility of dolphins

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Cliffs, caves, and the possibility of dolphins

The fishing grounds can also provide good views of the Algarve coast. One outing reached a spot where a large section of cliffs and caves was visible. Dolphins appeared during some trips, including one morning when they were seen on the way to the first fishing location.

These sightings are occasional, not a separate wildlife guarantee. You should book this for fishing first, with scenery and dolphins as welcome extras. Still, the setting changes the feel of the outing. You are not spending four hours staring only at a float or rod tip.

The boat’s position offshore may give you a different view of the Lagos coast than you get from land. If you enjoy coastal scenery, keep your phone ready, though the activity does not include a dedicated photo or video service. One participant felt that photos or videos would have improved the experience.

That is a useful distinction. You can take your own pictures if conditions allow, but fishing takes attention, and wet hands are not ideal for handling a phone. A simple waterproof pouch would be sensible, though the operator does not list one as included.

Same corner of the country, a different pace:

The crew makes the difference

Bottom Fishing Lagos - The crew makes the difference

The most consistent strength is the crew. Captain and mate Tommy and Tiago were singled out for being friendly, helpful, and clear. Tommy and Moisés also received praise for baiting hooks, removing fish, and making a less experienced angler feel comfortable.

The praise is not just about being pleasant. The crew keeps the activity moving. They check lines, replace bait, explain what you have caught, and help you avoid wasting time on a badly prepared rig. That practical assistance is why beginners can enjoy the outing without first learning every part of boat fishing.

A good captain also affects how safe and relaxed the trip feels. One account described an ex-professional fishing boat with GPS and a toilet, and said the crew kept everyone engaged and secure. The captain’s local knowledge adds context to the places you visit, though one person wanted more information about the area and the day’s exact plan.

That small criticism is fair. The activity description focuses on fishing equipment and locations, not on a full coastal tour commentary. If you want a detailed explanation of Lagos geology, maritime history, or every cave along the coast, you may find the information limited.

What happens to the fish

The fish you catch belong to you, subject to the relevant regulations and size limits. The crew can help identify what is suitable to keep, and undersized fish may be returned.

Some outings produced enough fish for lunch. On one occasion, the crew put the catch on ice and recommended a local restaurant that cooked it for a small charge. Another group ate snapper and other fish after returning to shore.

This catch-to-table option gives the trip extra value. You are not only collecting a souvenir photo or checking off a boat activity. You may be able to enjoy a fresh local meal from fish you helped catch.

Do not assume the restaurant arrangement is automatically included or available every day. The listed inclusions cover the license, bait, and fishing equipment, not cooking. Ask the crew on the day if you want to explore this option.

Is $70 a fair price?

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the price is reasonable for four hours on the water. You receive the required fishing license, bait, and all necessary material, so you do not need to buy a rod, reel, tackle, or permit separately.

The price also includes the value of the crew’s time and local skill. A cheaper bare-bones boat trip could leave you struggling with bait and equipment, especially if you are new to fishing. Here, the staff helps you get fishing rather than spending the morning sorting out basic problems.

The catch belongs to you, which adds possible value if you catch enough for lunch. But I would not judge the price only by the number of fish. Weather, fish activity, group size, and luck all affect the result.

Group discounts are available when you rent the boat for half a day or the whole day. The standard activity lasts four hours, while a private or extended arrangement may suit families, friends, or a group that wants more control over timing.

For a small party, the per-person price gives you a straightforward way to try sea fishing without committing to a full-day charter. For a larger group, ask about the discount before booking, since the final saving depends on the group arrangement.

Who will enjoy this most?

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this outing to first-time anglers, families with older children, couples who want an active morning, and experienced fishers who prefer a social boat. The crew’s patient approach means you do not need to arrive with specialist equipment or detailed knowledge.

It also works well for a mixed group. One person can be keen on fishing while another is mainly interested in the coast and the chance of seeing dolphins. The fishing keeps the morning focused, and the cliffs, caves, and open-water views add variety.

You should be more cautious if you strongly dislike boats, get seasick easily, or need a quiet private setting. The trip takes place on the sea for four hours, and the boat is shared unless you arrange a private rental.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a polished sightseeing cruise with regular commentary, drinks, and onboard photography. The focus is hands-on fishing. Bring water, use the toilet before departure, and prepare for a practical boat outing rather than a luxury cruise.

Booking and cancellation details

Bottom Fishing Lagos - Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Algarve plans are still changing.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since the trip begins and ends at the Lagos Marina pontoon, confirm the boarding details directly if you use a wheelchair or have specific mobility needs.

The duration is four hours, and available start times can change. Allow enough time to reach the Lagos Marina pontoon without rushing. The operator provides the fishing license, bait, and equipment, but drinking water is not listed among the inclusions.

Final verdict: should you book?

Book Bottom Fishing Lagos if you want a reasonably priced, beginner-friendly morning where the crew does the technical work and you still get to handle the rod. The strongest reasons are the friendly help from staff such as Tommy, Tiago, and Moisés, the chance to catch several types of local fish, and the possibility of taking your catch to a restaurant for lunch.

I would also choose it for a family group. The outing has enough action to keep children and teenagers interested, while the cliffs, caves, and possible dolphins give non-anglers something to enjoy.

Skip it if you want a private luxury charter, guaranteed big fish, or extensive coastal commentary. For most people who want an easy introduction to fishing around Lagos, though, $70 buys a well-supported four-hour experience with real food value at the end.

FAQ

Where does Bottom Fishing Lagos begin?

The meeting point is the Lagos Marina pontoon at Costa D’oiro Passeios Marítimos.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to Costa D’oiro Passeios Marítimos at the Lagos Marina after the four-hour outing.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The standard activity lasts four hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the compulsory fishing license, bait, and all material needed for the activity.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $70 per person.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes. The catches you make belong to you, though the crew follows regulations and may return fish that are too small to keep.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The trips are designed for people with little or no fishing experience, and the crew helps with baiting, equipment, and removing fish from hooks.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in French, Portuguese, Spanish, and English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

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