Top 7 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Bayelsa (2025 Guide)

Confidence NwaobiOctober 24, 20250656 views

If you’ve ever imagined what it feels like to be surrounded by rivers, lush greenery, and an air of calm that whispers “welcome to nature,” then Bayelsa is where your imagination meets reality.

Known as “The Glory of All Lands,” Bayelsa State is tucked deep in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria. It’s a place where culture, history, and natural beauty live side by side, quietly, proudly, and beautifully.

So pack your hat, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, because we’re diving into seven tourist destinations in Bayelsa State that you absolutely must visit at least once in your lifetime.

7 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Bayelsa

1. Oloibiri—Where Nigeria’s oil story began

There’s something sacred about standing where history changed. In 1956, engineers drilled the first successful oil well in Nigeria, in the small town of Oloibiri, marking a significant milestone in the country’s history.

Unbelievably, this peaceful Ogbia community once garnered global attention. Today, the oil well still stands as a monument, and the upcoming Oloibiri Museum and Research Centre aims to honour the people and place that birthed Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Walking through Oloibiri feels nostalgic; locals still share stories about the day “the white men found oil”, and the pride in their voices is unmistakable. It’s calm, earthy, and strangely emotional.

Don’t miss talking to the community elders; they’re living encyclopedias of Bayelsa’s transformation.

Location: Ogbia Local Government Area, about 45 minutes from Yenagoa.

2. Ox-Bow Lake, Yenagoa – Bayelsa’s calm heart

If you need proof that peace has a sound, visit Ox-Bow Lake. It sits quietly in Yenagoa, formed by the Nun River’s gentle curve, and it has become the city’s favourite escape spot.

Imagine sitting under a tree, watching fishermen paddle across mirror-still water while a soft breeze plays with your hair. That’s Ox-Bow.

The area also has a small cultural pavilion, restaurants serving fresh grilled fish, and even a hotel right on the waterfront if you want to wake up to river views.

Go in the late afternoon. The golden sunset on the lake makes everything, boats, water, and sky, glow like honey.

Location: Yenagoa city.

3. Akassa Lighthouse – Where the river meets the ocean

There’s something cinematic about Akassa. It’s where the Nun River meets the Atlantic Ocean, and the Akassa Lighthouse stands tall like a quiet guardian.

Built during colonial times, this lighthouse once guided ships through the Niger Delta. Now, it offers the best panoramic view you’ll find in Bayelsa, the kind that makes you stop talking for a minute and just breathe.

Getting there is an adventure in itself: a boat ride through mangrove creeks, passing stilt houses and fishermen waving at you with paddles in hand. It’s the kind of trip that reminds you how beautiful and alive Nigeria really is.

Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. The ocean breeze here doesn’t just touch your skin; it wakes up your spirit.

Location: Akassa community, Brass Local Government Area.

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4. Brass Island & Okpoama Beach – Salt air, Sand, and music

If Akassa is Bayelsa’s calm face, Brass Island is its lively heartbeat. Locals call it Twon-Brass, and it’s one of the most culturally vibrant spots in the state. But the real magic lies at Okpoama Beach, where festivals, beach parties, and fishermen’s songs fill the air.

The Okpoama Beach Festival has become a highlight event, drawing people from across the state for music, dance, and that unmistakable coastal energy. During the day, the beach is perfect for a walk, with soft sand under your feet, salty wind on your face, and the sight of fishermen pulling in their nets.

In the evenings, grab roasted fish and a cold drink, sit with locals, and just be. Don’t miss their smoked prawns; ‘delicious’ doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Location: Brass Local Government Area.

5. Edumanom Forest Reserve – Nature’s secret kingdom

Deep in the Nembe Local Government Area lies Edumanom Forest Reserve, one of Nigeria’s last remaining rainforests and home to rare primates and birds.

Conservationists know it as a biodiversity goldmine; it’s one of the few places where chimpanzees have been recorded in the Niger Delta region.

This isn’t your “casual stroll” kind of forest. It’s wild, humid, and full of life. The sound of birds and rustling leaves is constant, as if the forest itself were whispering.

To visit, you’ll need a guide (and sturdy boots), but it’s worth every step. Standing among those towering trees makes you feel small in the best, most humbling way.

Why go: To reconnect with nature and see what untouched beauty really looks like.

Location: Nembe LGA.

6. The Nun River – The lifeline of Bayelsa

If Bayelsa had veins, the Nun River would be the main one. It flows like poetry: wide, patient, and essential.

A boat ride on the Nun is pure therapy. You’ll glide past stilt houses, floating canoes, children waving, and fishermen singing. It’s not a “tourist cruise”; it’s a window into everyday Ijaw life.

Locals sometimes joke that the river has moods: calm in the morning, thoughtful by afternoon, and glowing at sunset. They’re right.

Bring your camera, but also bring your curiosity. Every bend tells a story. Best for river tours, photography, and seeing Bayelsa from its most authentic angle.

7. Wilberforce Island—Bayelsa’s blend of old and new

Not every destination needs to be remote to be special. Wilberforce Island, home to Amassoma and the Niger Delta University, is a fascinating mix of community life, academia, and nature.

It’s one of the few places in Bayelsa where tradition and modernity live side by side, fishermen paddle past university students on their way to class, and markets hum beside calm creeks.

If you’re curious about the everyday life of Bayelsa people, not just its beaches and forests, Wilberforce Island gives you that honest glimpse.

What to do: Visit the local markets, chat with students, or simply sit by the water and watch the island’s rhythm unfold.

Location: Amassoma, Southern Bayelsa.

Practical travel tips for Bayelsa

Best time to travel: Dry season (roughly November–March). Creeks and smaller roads are easier then, and beach festivals usually happen in dry months.
Getting there: Fly into Yenagoa (regional services) or Port Harcourt, or use road connections; many trips within Bayelsa require short boat transfers, so pack light.
Local guides: Hire them. For Edumanom, Nun River trips, or Akassa, local knowledge is essential for safety and a richer experience.
Respect & culture: Dress modestly in communities, ask before photographing people, and be generous with politeness. Bayelsa folks are famously welcoming.
Safety: Most tourist areas are peaceful, but always check current local advisories and coordinate with hotels or state tourism contacts.
Eco-mindful travel: Bayelsa’s ecosystems are fragile. Don’t leave waste, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support community-based operators where possible.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a part of Nigeria that still feels untouched, where every boat ride feels like a discovery and every sunset feels like grace, Bayelsa is your place.

So go. Get lost a little. And when you find yourself sitting quietly by the Nun River, listening to water and wind in perfect harmony, you’ll understand why Bayelsa is called The Glory of All Lands.

FAQs: Tourist Destinations in Bayelsa

1. Is Bayelsa safe for tourists?

Mostly, yes! Yenagoa and tourist-friendly zones like Ox-Bow Lake and Brass are peaceful. Just travel with local advice, and avoid night trips by water.

2. Can I swim at Okpoama Beach?

Yes, but ask locals first; tides can be strong. Stick to where others swim safely.

3. How many days do I need in Bayelsa?

4–5 days is perfect for a full experience: one day in Yenagoa, one on the river, one for the coast, and one for Oloibiri or Wilberforce Island.

4. Is there adequate accommodation?

Absolutely. From lakeside hotels in Yenagoa to cosy guesthouses in Brass, you’ll find comfort without chaos.

5. Is Edumanom Forest open to everyone?

Yes, but it’s best to visit with a local guide or conservation group. It’s still a raw, natural forest, no fancy paths, just pure adventure.