Travel From Cameroon to Nigeria by Sea During the Rainy Season – My Worst Experience

Travelling by sea from Cameroon to Nigeria may sound adventurous, but during the rainy season, it can quickly turn into a terrifying expe...

Travelling by sea from Cameroon to Nigeria may sound adventurous, but during the rainy season, it can quickly turn into a terrifying experience. In this post, I’ll share my full journey—what happened, the challenges we faced, and the lessons learned—so you can better understand what it’s really like.

Setting Off: Hopeful but Anxious

That morning, we set off from Cameroon by boat, heading to Nigeria. The weather didn’t look friendly, but with faith and courage, we trusted God and moved forward.

At first, everything seemed manageable, but the deeper we went into the sea, the more dangerous things became. The rain started pouring heavily, and the boat rocked dangerously from side to side. My heart was racing—I had never experienced anything like it before.

When the Rain Became Too Much

At around 3–4 p.m., the weather became unbearable. Visibility was poor, the rain was relentless, and the waves made it too risky to continue.

The boat pilot, who was surprisingly very cautious, told us he could not proceed. He explained that:

The weather was unclear, making it easy to miss the route.
Continuing further could expose us to pirates.
Night travel on water was unsafe.

Instead, he decided we should stop at a nearby village and rest for the night. Looking back, this decision probably saved us from a disaster.

Spending the Night in a Village

We ended up in a small riverside village, which the locals called B Village. At this point, we were tired, hungry, and anxious. My husband was especially hungry, so we bought some food (dry fish and gari) to keep us going.

The villagers were kind and welcoming, which made the unplanned stopover a little more bearable.

Day Two: A Calm Morning

The next morning, the weather improved. The sun was out, the waters were calmer, and our boat pilot was smiling again. We admired the scenery as we continued our journey, grateful to God for keeping us safe.

Eventually, we reached under a bridge where we switched from water to road transport. From there, we took a car heading into Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

The Long Road Journey

From Akwa Ibom, we made our way to Aba, where we stopped briefly before boarding a night bus heading to Lagos, our final destination.

By this time, we were extremely exhausted. The unexpected night in the village and the stressful boat ride had drained us. Even though we planned to arrive at night, we only reached Lagos the next morning.

Key Lessons Learned

Avoid sea travel during the rainy season – it is too risky and unpredictable.
Always listen to experienced boat pilots – their caution can save your life.
Be prepared for delays – anything from weather changes to unplanned stopovers can happen.
Carry food and water – hunger can make the journey more stressful if you’re stranded.
Trust God, but plan well – faith is important, but so is safety and preparation.

Cost Breakdown of Traveling From Cameroon to Nigeria by Sea

One of the most important things to consider before embarking on this kind of trip is how much money you’ll spend. Below is a general breakdown of the costs involved:

1. Boat Fare (Cameroon → Nigeria)

Average ticket price: 20,000 – 30,000 XAF (about $35 – $50) depending on the port of departure, type of boat, and season.
Some private speedboats charge more for comfort and safety.

2. Stopover Expenses (Food & Lodge in Villages)

If you are forced to stop due to weather (like in our case), you’ll need to budget for:
- Food: around 2,000 – 5,000 XAF ($3 – $8) per person.
- Lodging: many villages don’t have hotels, so you may need to negotiate with locals for a place to rest. Costs vary from 5,000 – 10,000 XAF ($8 – $16).

3. Road Transport (Nigeria Side)

Once you land in Akwa Ibom (or nearby states), you’ll continue the journey by road.

Akwa Ibom → Aba: about 5,000 – 7,000 NGN ($6 – $9).
Aba → Lagos (Night Bus): around 15,000 – 20,000 NGN ($20 – $27).

4. Miscellaneous Costs

Snacks, water, and small payments to porters/helpers: 2,000 – 5,000 XAF/NGN ($3 – $7).
SIM card or airtime (if you need to connect in Nigeria): around 1,000 – 2,000 NGN ($1 – $2).

💰 Estimated Total Budget

On a smooth trip (no delays): 45,000 – 60,000 XAF (≈ $70 – $95).
With stopovers due to weather: 65,000 – 80,000 XAF (≈ $100 – $125).

👉 If you’re planning this journey, always carry extra cash because unexpected stopovers or fare changes are common. It’s better to be over-prepared than stranded in the middle of nowhere.

Best Alternatives to Sea Travel From Cameroon to Nigeria

While traveling by sea might seem adventurous or sometimes cheaper, it also comes with major risks, especially during the rainy season. If you’re looking for safer or more comfortable options, here are the main alternatives:

1. Traveling by Road 🚍

Routes: You can go from Douala or Bamenda to Enugu, Cross River, or Lagos by road. Many buses operate this route, including companies like ABC Transport, Guaranty Express, and others.
Cost: Around 45,000 – 65,000 XAF ($70 – $100), depending on the bus company and destination.
Advantages:
- Less risky compared to sea travel.
- Comfortable buses with air conditioning (if you use a premium service).
Disadvantages:
- Longer travel time (up to 24+ hours).
- Road checkpoints and possible delays at the border.

2. Traveling by Air ✈️

Flights: You can fly from Douala or Yaoundé directly to Lagos or Abuja.
Cost: Around 150,000 – 250,000 XAF ($240 – $400), depending on the airline and booking time.
Advantages:
- Fastest and safest option.
- Avoids the stress of bad weather, pirates, or roadblocks.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than sea or road.
- Limited flight schedules compared to local buses.

3. Combination (Sea + Road)

Some travelers still prefer using boats to reach Nigerian coastal towns (like Calabar or Akwa Ibom) and then switch to buses for Lagos or Abuja.
Cost: About the same as sea travel plus road transport (≈ 70,000 – 100,000 XAF).
Advantages:
- Can be cheaper than a flight.
- Allows you to experience both water and land travel.
Disadvantages:
- Still risky if the weather turns bad.
- Longer travel time compared to a direct bus.

👉 Final Tip: If safety and time matter most, choose air travel. If you want a balance between cost and safety, take the road. Only choose the sea route if you’re experienced, adventurous, and prepared for uncertainties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it safe to travel from Cameroon to Nigeria by sea?
It can be safe during the dry season, but in the rainy season, it’s very risky due to heavy rains, poor visibility, and the possibility of pirates.

2. How long does the sea journey usually take?
On a good day, you can reach within the same day. But if weather delays occur, it may take 2 days or more, especially if you’re forced to stop overnight.

3. Which is better: travelling by land or sea?
Land travel is more predictable, though longer. Sea travel is faster but more dangerous, especially in bad weather.

4. Can pirates really attack small boats?
Yes, pirate attacks have been reported in some waters. That’s why boat pilots often avoid risky night travel.

5. What should I pack if I must travel by sea?
Pack light, waterproof bags for essentials, some food, water, warm clothing, and emergency contacts.

6. Which is the final destination for most sea travelers?
Most passengers continue to Lagos for business purposes after arriving through Akwa Ibom or nearby coastal states.