Bonny is an island town at the mouth of the Bonny River, where the creeks of the Niger Delta meet the Atlantic Ocean. It is the centre of the historic Ibani kingdom of Grand Bonny, led by the Amanyanabo.
For centuries Bonny was one of the busiest ports on the West African coast, first in the Atlantic slave trade and later in the palm oil trade. Today it is also home to a major natural gas export plant, which brings workers from across the country.
Top things to do in Bonny
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Travel by boat through the creeks
Most visitors reach Bonny by speedboat from Port Harcourt, a trip of about an hour through wide river channels and mangrove forest. Wear the life jacket provided and travel in daylight.
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Learn Bonny's history
Bonny's past as a trading kingdom has left historic sites, old churches and colonial-era buildings around the town. Local guides and community elders can explain the island's role in the Atlantic trade.
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Visit the Atlantic beaches
The island's ocean side has long, quiet beaches. The currents are strong, so take local advice before swimming.
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Walk in Finima nature park
A protected nature park at Finima, on the island, preserves mangrove, freshwater swamp and coastal forest, with trails where you may see monkeys, birds and reptiles.
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Eat fresh seafood
Fishing is part of daily life on Bonny. Try fresh fish, prawns, crabs and periwinkles in pepper soup or native soup, or grilled by the waterside.
Upcoming events in Rivers
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Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Afrobeat Vibes Night - Port Harcourt
D'Podium International Event Centre, Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers 500102
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Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 10:30 AM
TECH SOLUTIONS FOR MODERN REAL ESTATE
Golden Tulip P 1C Evo Crescent, SAW MILL RUMUOKE BY OKELTON BUS STOP OPPOSITE 1708 HOTEL AND SUITE, port harcourt, Rivers State 500001
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Wednesday, December 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Newest Afrobeat Artist Review
Pleasure Park, Old Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers
From ₦10,750.00
Festivals and culture
Bonny keeps strong masquerade and cultural traditions, including the Nwaotam festival, as well as boat regattas with decorated canoes and paddlers. Christmas and New Year bring homecomings and celebrations across the island.
Food to try
Try fisherman soup, native soup with periwinkles, pepper soup, bole (roasted plantain) and fish, and onunu, a mash of yam and plantain popular across Rivers State.
Best time to visit
November to March is the driest period and the calmest time for boat travel. Rain falls for much of the year, especially from April to October.
Getting around
Boats from Port Harcourt jetties are the main way to reach Bonny. On the island, people move around by tricycle, motorcycle taxi and on foot.
Questions about Bonny
How do you get to Bonny Island?
By boat from Port Harcourt, a trip of about an hour through the river channels and creeks.
What is Bonny known for?
Bonny is known as a historic Niger Delta trading kingdom, for its Atlantic beaches and seafood, and as the site of a major natural gas export plant.
How do I find events in Rivers State?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, festivals and free events in Rivers State on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
