The Bahamas, an archipelago of almost 700 coral islands, conjures images of sand beaches, clear waters, and tropical fish. There are numerous well-known cultural and historical tourist attractions and lively markets in New Providence (where the nation’s capital, Nassau, is located), Paradise Island, The Exumas, Bimini, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, and The Abaco Islands. However, in recent years, one of the most popular tourist attractions is swimming with pigs in The Bahamas.
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Bahamas: Exuma – Swimming Pigs. Photo credit: ©The Islands Of The Bahamas.
History of Bahamas Beach Pigs
About 20 pigs live on Big Major Cay and can often be seen in the pristine ocean waters around the island. There are several stories surrounding the arrival of the swimming pigs, mainly brown and pink varieties. As one version goes, the swimming pigs were dropped off on the shore by a group of sailors who did not live up to their plan to return and cook them. Another version casts the swimming pigs as survivors of an unfortunate shipwreck who somehow survived and eventually made their way to the shore of the uninhabited island. Yet another story claims that the swimming pigs were part of a business scheme to attract tourists, and there is even one story about the pigs somehow escaping to Pig Island from a nearby islet.
With their own island all to themselves, the pigs, who appear to be on permanent vacation, roam freely on the sandy beaches and are often seen enjoying a swim in the surrounding waters. It is a bizarre sight to many who see them, but whether their presence was an accident or deliberate, the swimming pigs are certainly the main attraction of Big Major Cay in The Bahamas.
Bahamas: Exuma – Swimming Pigs. Photo credit: ©The Islands Of The Bahamas.
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Location of Swimming Pigs in The Bahamas
Pig Beach, also known as Big Major Cay, is a deserted island in The Bahamas’ Exuma Cays that is home to the swimming pigs. From many of the top cities in The Bahamas, such as Nassau and Exuma, pig island is only a short boat trip away from the mainland.
It’s crucial to remember that there are other locations in The Bahamas where you can swim with pigs besides Big Major Cay. Staniel Cay and Compass Cay are two further Exuma Cays islands where you can see these amiable creatures. But by far, the most well-known and well-liked location for swimming with pigs is the small island known as Pig Beach.
The best time of year to visit Pig Beach is between the months of December and April, which is the dry season. The weather is often sunny and dry throughout this period, with little to no rain. Note that the hurricane season in The Bahamas is from June through November. Nonetheless, it is possible to swim with pigs all year long, and a lot of travel companies provide excursions to Pig Beach all year long.
Ultimately, Pig Beach is a distinctive and remarkable location that must be visited while visiting The Bahamas. Swimming with pigs is an experience you won’t soon forget, regardless of whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or by yourself.
NOTE: In addition to swimming with the pigs, visitors can also explore the island’s other attractions, including its crystal-clear waters, shallow waters, and marine resources. Pig Island is home to nurse sharks, tropical fish, and Bahamian rock iguanas, which are a treat to see up close. So perfect for those who like water sports and are interested in exploring the Great Exuma.
Popularity of the Swimming Pigs in The Bahamas
Swimming with pigs in The Bahamas has gained popularity as a tourist and local attraction. They are now so well-known that they have even been in numerous travel shows, documentaries, and even music videos.
Along with making an appearance in National Geographic and on the Today Show, the swimming pigs in The Bahamas have appeared in movies like “When Pigs Swim” and “The Hidden Lives of the Swimming Pigs,” as well as on well-known travel shows like “The Bachelor,” “The Amazing Race,” and “Bizarre Foods.” Also, they appeared in the music video for Pitbull and Kesha’s popular song “Timber.”
Celebrities like Amy Schumer and Johnny Depp, who own a nearby island, have also helped to bring attention to this unique attraction. Despite the increase in popularity, especially on social media, the pigs of Pig Island remain a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
The pigs roam freely and are wild and feral. They are actually a breed of farmed pigs that have been taught to swim; they are not native to The Bahamas. They are sociable and enjoy interacting with tourists; they frequently paddle up to boats in search of a bite or two.
Swimming with pigs in The Bahamas has grown to be a thriving industry, with numerous tour companies giving tourists the opportunity to interact closely with these fascinating creatures. The swimming pigs, however, continue to be a singular and amazing experience that can only be had on the stunning Bahamas islands, despite their increasing celebrity.
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Bahamas: Exuma – Swimming Pigs. Photo credit: ©The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Why You Should Swim with Pigs in The Bahamas
Swimming with pigs in The Bahamas is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique and unforgettable opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing animals. These are just a few explanations as to why you might want to think about including a trip to Pig Beach on your itinerary:
Swimming with pigs is an uncommon and amazing experience that is not available just anywhere. It is extremely amazing that these animals can swim and have grown to be such a well-liked tourist attraction in The Bahamas.
The swimming pigs at Pig Beach are renowned for their amiable and extroverted personalities, so you’ll get to engage with them. They enjoy interacting with guests and won’t hesitate to approach your boat in quest of a bite.
It’s a fantastic photo opportunity since The Bahamas’ crystal-clear beaches and azure waters make for the ideal scenery. A wonderful opportunity to get some interesting and unforgettable photos that you’ll be glad to show off to your friends and family is to go swimming with pigs.
It promotes the local economy – By signing up for a tour to swim with pigs in The Bahamas, you are promoting the region’s tourism sector and helping to generate cash and employment for the local populace.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to take in the natural beauty of The Bahamas, which is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, beautiful waters, and a variety of marine life. One of the numerous ways to take in this beautiful location’s natural splendor is to swim with pigs.
To sum up, swimming with pigs in The Bahamas is a singular experience. No matter if you’ve been to the islands before or this is your first time, a trip to Pig Beach should be high on your list of must-dos. Why not schedule a tour right away to discover the reason behind the fuss?
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What to Expect When You Book a Bahamas Swimming with Pigs Tour
One of the best ways to explore Pig Island is by taking a boat tour. Some popular stops on the tour may include Thunderball Grotto, Rose Island, and Bitter Guana Cay. The first stop on the tour is usually to see the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, which is the original pig beach. The pigs are very friendly and love to interact with visitors, but make sure to bring some snacks (ideally fresh fruits or vegetables and not junk food) to feed them!
Booking a swimming with pigs tour in The Bahamas is easy and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect when you book a tour:
- Transportation: The majority of tours include a boat trip to and from Pig Beach. You’ll be driven to the tour’s starting location after being picked up from your hotel, cruise terminal, or a prearranged meeting place.
- Boat ride: Traveling to Pig Beach typically entails a picturesque boat cruise via the Exuma Cays. You may enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the islands and the nearby waterways while riding.
- Arriving at Pig Beach: A bunch of amiable pigs who are eager to meet their guests will welcome you when you arrive at Pig Beach. Your tour guide will give you guidance on how to approach the pigs securely and may even share some photography advice with you.
- Swimming with pigs: Of course, swimming with the pigs is the tour’s high point. The pigs will let you engage with them, feed them, and take pictures of them. On other tours, you can even go snorkeling with the pigs or visit some of the local islands.
- Snacks and refreshments: The majority of excursions provide their visitors with food and drinks like sandwiches, fresh fruit, and beverages. Some tours also include lunch at a local restaurant or a beach BBQ.
- Return journey: Following your visit to Pig Beach, you will be driven either back to your hotel or to the starting site of your tour.
Tours that involve swimming with pigs are typically well-planned, safe, and pleasant. Your tour guide will make sure you have a fantastic time while also taking precautions to preserve the pigs’ and their environment’s health and well-being. So why not reserve a tour now and go on this incredible adventure?
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Bahamas: Exuma – Swimming Pigs. Photo credit: ©The Islands Of The Bahamas.
Choosing the Best Bahamas Swimming with Pigs Tour
It can be challenging to decide which swimming pigs tour excursion to do because there are so many offered in The Bahamas. When choosing a trip, take into account the following factors:
- Reputation: Check online reviews and select a tour company with a solid reputation for safety, quality, and customer service.
- Tour length: Some tours offer half-day excursions, while others offer full-day trips. Consider your schedule and how much time you want to spend swimming with pigs.
- Group size: Some excursions have sizable groups that can include dozens of individuals, while others are more intimate and tiny. Consider the experience you seek and whether a larger group tour or a more individualized trip with your own boat via a private tour is more appealing to you.
- Included items: Some tours offer meals, snacks, and beverages, while others could merely offer transportation and rudimentary instruction. Make sure you are aware of the tour price’s inclusions as well as any additional costs or levies.
- Cost: Depending on the trip operator, length, and inclusions, swimming with pigs excursions can range greatly in price. To pick the tour that best suits your needs, take into account your budget and evaluate features and rates.
You can choose the swimming with pigs trip that’s best for you by taking these elements into account, ensuring that you have a great time and unforgettable experience swimming with these amazing but wild animals in The Bahamas.
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Three Bahamas Swimming with Pigs Tours
1. Half-Day Bahamas Swimming with Pigs Tour on Rose Island
This exciting 4-hour tour allows you the opportunity to swim with the pigs on Rose Island, which is a 25 minutes boat ride away from Nassau. Fun beach activities, games, and a variety of refreshments are available for purchase at the Rose Island property! This is a great option for cruise passengers with limited time in The Bahamas.
Tour length: 4 hours
What’s Included:
- Air-conditioned pickup & drop-off service from cruise the port and selected resorts
- Boat Ride to Rose Island
- Landing and facility fees
- Piglets & Pigs encounter
- Restrooms on property
- Beach chairs & dining area
- Additional alcoholic & nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase at the bar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Starts (345+ Reviews)
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2. Full-Day Tour Bahamas Swimming with Pigs Tour at 5 locations
This small group power boat tour of the Exumas makes five stops including Great Guana Cay, Compass Cay, Pig Beach – Big Major Cay, plus Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It also passes by Norman’s Cay, where you can view the world-famous Pablo Escobar Sunken Plane Wreck. Time at each stop is anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour.
Tour length: 8 1/2 hours
What’s Included:
- Fuel surcharge
- Boat ride to five locations
- Local guide
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Landing and facility fees
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Starts (414+ Reviews)
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3. Full-Day Tour Bahamas Swimming with Pigs Tour at 7 locations
This tour of Exumas makes six stops, including Pig Beach, Great Guana Cay, Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay, Staniel Cay, and the Exumas Sand Bar. It also passes by Staniel Cay, where you can view the famous Staniel Cay Plane Wreck. This tour is a great option for stay-over tourists visiting The Bahamas. Time at each stop is anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour.
Tour length: 6 hours
What’s Included:
- Hotel pickup
- Boat ride to seven locations
- Fresh Towels
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Snacks and Soda/Pop
- Approved food for the adorable pigs
- Lunch
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Starts (227+ Reviews)
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Whichever tour you select, here are a list of items you should bring on your Bahamas swimming pigs tour:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes
- Insect Repellent
- Change of clothes
- Camera (with extra battery)
- Snacks for the pigs (i.e., apples, carrots, lettuce, watermelon, etc.)
- Cash (Bahamian Dollars or US Dollars)
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NOTE: This post was originally published on February 10th, 2015, and updated on February 23rd, 2023.
