I arrived into Lagos with basically zero expectations on the city. When I first decided to travel here, it was simply because I did a Google image search and discovered it was beautiful.

So when I asked my hostel reception what they recommended I do during my stay, they immediately said go kayaking through the caves under the cliffs.

Um, heck yes. Sign me up for that.

My hostel friends and I arrived at the kayak beach shack on a windy afternoon. The waves were a bit choppy, but we were all up for the challenge. We slathered on the sunscreen and grabbed our paddles and life vests. It was time to get serious.

We paddled through the close rock formations and caves while the cliffs above us reached into the sky. I kept saying over and over, “This is so amazing!” Though the words felt so basic and didn’t do it justice.

Once we kayaked for about an hour and a half, we stopped off at a beach that’s only accessible by boat. The tour gave us snorkeling gear, and we all eagerly jumped into the cool water. We swam around huge submerged rocks and schools of fish. I may or may not have pretended I was a mermaid.

Basically, bottom line? This was such a cool day. I love not having expectations and being amazed at each turn.