Last Updated: January 2024
When I first visited the unassuming swimming pigs of Exuma in 2007, they were hardly the paparazzi-magnets they are now. Back then, a few small boats might motor up to shore each day in the hopes of catching the water-loving piglets on the beach. In the ensuing years, their popularity has skyrocketed and the pig population has grown, too. (There are also a few chickens!)
Ever since the local swine became the stars of The Bahamas’ ad campaign, the swimming pigs of Exuma have become a curious must-see attraction for visitors. A lot of folks ask me if swimming with the pigs is worth it, and I have to say… yes! I’ve since been back to visit the piggies a dozen times, and let me tell you, it never gets old.
If the summer-loving sows have swum their amphibious way onto your travel bucket list, here are a few tips from the gal who has accidentally become an expert on the swimming pigs. Here are my tips for a fun, safe visit to piggy paradise.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Famous Swimming Pigs
Where are the *real* swimming pigs?
Don’t be fooled by imitation pork. The bonafide swimming pigs living on Pig Beach on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island about halfway up the Exuma archipelago of 365 islands.
Imitation swimming pig excursions are popping up everywhere! On our honeymoon, I found out that Sandals Emerald Bay takes their guests to a much closer island, claiming an interaction with the famous swimming pigs. Sure, they’re pigs and they swim, but they aren’t the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. It’s 100% up to you if it makes a difference – just don’t be fooled by lipstick on a pig.
Swimming Pigs Tours Elsewhere in The Bahamas
- NASSAU: ATV Tour+Swimming Pigs+Snorkeling bundle
- Depart NASSAU for SPANISH WELLS: Swimming Pigs, Turtles, Pink Sand Beaches & Snorkeling to Spanish Wells
- Full-Day Eleuthera Adventure Swimming Pigs & Turtles from NASSAU
- Full-Day Harbour Island Pink Sand & Swimming Pigs from NASSAU
- Royal Caribbean passengers stopping at Perfect Day at Coco Cay can book a shore excursion to interact with pigs in The Berry Islands.
- Nassau/Paradise Island Pigs
- Pigs of Rose Island (Off Nassau)
- Grand Bahama Piggies
- Sun Cay Pigs (8 miles from Nassau)
Where to stay in the Bahamas to see the pigs? Big Major Cay is only accessible by boat, so you have three options.
1. Staniel Cay
The absolute best way to meet the swimming pigs is to stay near Big Major Cay where they actually live, and unless you’re staying with Johnny Depp on his private island or with Mariah Carey on her yacht, your best option is itty-bitty Staniel Cay. It offers a sizable marina, several family-run hotels (EMBRACE Resort is my favorite) and an airstrip.
From there, you can rent a small boat or hire a local guide to whisk you over to Pig Beach. From Staniel Cay Yacht Club, it’s only about 10 minutes to the pigs.
There ain’t no safari like an Exuma Cays safari, I always say.
Where I Stay in Staniel Cay:
- EMBRACE Resort.Check here for availability and here for my full review.
2. Mainland Exuma
If you’re staying on mainland Exuma, either in George Town or elsewhere, your best bet is to hop on an organized tour of the cays that includes a visit to Big Major Cay.
I recommend 4C’s Adventures because you also get to check out the friendly sharks of Compass Cay, the endangered pink Rock Iguanas on Leaf Cay and a gorgeous sandbar that goes on for miles. If you hop on the 4C’s Adventures boat, it’ll take up to two hours to speed to that area of the Exumas from the settlement of Barratarre.
Where I Stay in Mainland Exuma:
- Sandals Emerald Bay – all inclusive, romantic, scuba diving
- Grand Isle Resort & Spa – family friendly, large villas, amazing golf course
- Peace & Plenty – historic, great location, local vibes
3. Nassau
You can also stay in Nassau, which is incredibly easy to get to from hub airports and book a powerboat tour of the northern Exuma Cays including Big Major. Most swimming pigs tours you find online leave from Nassau.
It’s a long day, but absolutely magnificently gorgeous. You’ll never see the sea the same way after you’ve been on a tour of the Exuma Cays.
Where I stay in Nassau:
- British Colonial – downtown and beachfront, walking distance to most major attractions
- The Cove – luxurious, scene-y, on the same property as Atlantis
- Graycliff – historic mansion, gorgeous pool area, incredible restaurant, cigar factory & winery
So you’ve finally made it to Pig Beach. Now what? Here are my top tips!
1. Be a gracious guest.
I’ve seen people act like swine in the presence of these national treasures – it’s just piggish! It should go without saying that you shouldn’t tease the pigs, throw rocks at them, or attempt to ride them. I’ve seen all three behaviors.
Also, feed the pigs natural food, not cinnamon buns, macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, Poptarts or beer. Stick with apples, lettuce and produce — they’re pigs, not American children for heaven’s sake. And it should go without saying, but don’t give them alcohol!
2. Take a million photos, but think twice about selfies.
As sad as it is, most wild animals don’t want to be your friend. (Read: my bear encounters in Alaska) Usually, they just want the food in your hand.
Since their eyesight isn’t the best, it’s very easy for the pigs to confuse your GoPro for a tasty snack. And if the GoPro is next to your face… things could go badly… for your face.
- Having a waterproof GoPro is super useful for this occasion (and many others).
- Knowing where the pigs are at all times will help you take the best photos. Turning your back to them in order to take a selfie is a huge no-no. It can be done, but you might just get your ear nipped off – it’s happened, and it’s no fun.
- Be patient and follow the outlier pigs – not the ones who are swimming in the middle of everyone.
- If you’re alone or with a small group like the 3N’s Tour out of Staniel Cay, you’ll have the chance to take some fantastic photos. If you’re sharing with lots of others on one of the big tours out of Nassau, it’s harder to take good shots.
- And don’t be afraid to be the first person off or the last person back on the boat. You’ll get the best pictures without your fellow travelers in each shot.
3. Interact with the pigs, with utmost care.
It’s become more commonplace for visitors to pet and even pick up the pigs for photos, and that’s perfectly fine as long as you do it gently and slowly – and only if the pig is up to it. I’ve seen people yank suckling piglets off the ground for a photo, and the ensuing squealing brought the 500-lb. mama out in a bad mood. You do not want this to happen!
If your guide gives you the go-ahead, feel free to give the pigs a belly scratch. There are some who love it and the others will usually just hang back from the crowd. Be attentive, be kind, be a good friend of the piggies.
4. Remember, they’re pigs, not mermaids
I like the swimming pigs, I really do, and I may get some heat for saying this – but y’all, they’re pigs. If they weren’t in the water, washing off their steamy tropical stench, they’d just be stinky farm animals. In a pigpen, most folks would turn their noses up. But put them in sparkly turquoise water on a white sand beach and suddenly they’re the mermaids of the Exumas.
They still do all the things non-marine pigs do, like poo, only they do it in the water where you’re swimming. Just remember that when you’re diving in with your mouth agape in wonder.
5. Be prepared for a crowd of tourists who haven’t read these tips.
As the pig popularity has grown over the years, so has the fan base. Countless boats, large and small, motor up to the beach every day and piggies swim right out to meet the adoring crowds. Depending on the time of day, you could have Pig Beach all to yourself, or you might share it with 50+ people.
Pack your patience and if your tour has time, try to stick around until the other groups leave. Having the beach and the piggies to yourself is a real treat.
In summary, the Bahamas swimming pigs are worth a visit! It’s truly a unique experience – despite being readily available around the country now and throughout the world – the O.G. pigs on Big Major Cay truly are some of The Bahamas most famous residents.
Do you want to swim with the pigs in the Bahamas? What questions do you have for me? Drop them in the comments or send a DM on Instagram (@AngieAway) and I’m happy to help!
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