If you’ve scrolled on Pinterest or Instagram looking for inspiration for a trip to the Bahamas, then you may have seen the infamous swimming pigs pop up. There are many places to swim with pigs in the Bahamas, and is a fun stop to add to your Bahamas bucket list, whether you are stopping on a cruise or island hopping for your whole trip. Keep reading to learn all about the famous Bahamian swimming pigs!
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Where are the Exuma Islands and How to Get There
The Exuma Islands are a chain of small islands in the southern Bahamas. They are made up of 120 islands in the Bahamian “out islands”, which are far more remote than the more popular Nassau, Abacos, or nearby to Florida, Bimini. The best way to explore these islands is by sailing, but you can definitely get to the Exumas by plane, and take a day charter to the remote islands that you want to visit.
To fly into the Exumas, there are two main airport options. You can either fly into Nassau International Airport and grab a water taxi or ferry. Alternatively, you can grab a smaller flight to Great Exuma Island. Depending on your trip or travel style, one arrival airport may be more suitable than the other. There are also airports throughout the Bahamas that can accommodate private flights.
Where to Stay in Exuma to Swim with Pigs
If swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is at the top of your Bahamas bucket list, then you’ll need a place to stay during your trip unless you are on a day stop with a cruise ship.
For most travelers, Great Exuma is an easy island to stay on, whether at a hotel or AirBnb. I stayed at The Hideaways and had a great experience. This waterfront resort is quiet and even offers a complementary shuttle into town! Another popular resort that is close to Georgetown is Peace & Plenty Hotel, which has sweeping waterfront views and a private beach!
Search for your favorite Bahamas stay here!
If you want the ultimate Exuma adventure, chartering a private yacht is the best way to island hop through the Exumas to explore all that the out islands have to experience! There are also many private island resorts in the surrounding areas to consider, if you want a more intimate and private experience.
Why are there pigs in Exuma?
The history of the famous swimming pigs is unknown, but there are many circulating theories and stories about these famed Bahamian pigs. Whether the pigs came from sailors keeping them onboard as livestock or locals complaining about the smell of the pig farms on the islands, these pigs get to call the beautiful beach their home.
Where to Swim with Pigs in Exuma
There are many different pig beaches all throughout the Bahamian islands, but the “original” Pig Beach in Exuma was the one to spark it all.
The original swimming pigs are located just outside of Staniel Cay, on the West side of a little island officially known as Big Major Cay. You’ll often hear it referred to as Pig Island, or Pig Beach. This island is only accessible by boat, so you will have to take a boat tour or charter a boat. Many sailors also bring their own boats throughout the Bahamas and dinghy to shore to experience the pigs.
If you aren’t staying in the Exumas during your Bahamas trip, or if you’re on a cruise and want to see some swimming pigs, consider taking a tour to one of the many other pig beaches in the Bahamas such as Rose Island. You can find tours here!
How much is it to swim with the pigs?
The cost to visit the beach and hang out with the pigs is free. Unless you are chartering a yacht or have your own boat to get to and from the island, you will need to book a trip with a tour company. There are many tour companies that run to not only the pig beach, but many other famous Exuma bucket list spots from either Nassau or Great Exuma. Many offer private or public trips, so there is a trip to fit most budgets! The private trips are great to truly customize your stops and are a great option for groups traveling together.
What to Expect When Swimming with Pigs in Exuma
Many people that swim with the Bahamas pigs don’t really know what to expect, as social media can give you a mixed perspective. Having visited the Exuma pig beach twice in the last few years, both by tour and on a boat I lived aboard, keep reading to learn what you are likely to expect when you come to swim with the pigs.
As your boat pulls up, you will be greeted with some of the large, more confident pigs swimming out to your boat. They are very strong swimmers, and depending on the type of boat you are in may be able to throw a leg over the hull (such as a dinghy). If you are on a tour boat or a larger tender, they will likely be looking up to your boat.
You can hop in and swim with them, or make your way to shore to hang out in the sand with them. The larger pigs are going to be more curious and confident than the smaller ones, which spend much of their day lounging in the shade or taking a little nap in the sunshine. The piglets are super cute, but can be much more skittish than the larger pigs, especially if they get chased away.
Something important to remember when visiting the Exuma pigs is while they are accustomed to human interaction and considered domesticated, they are still relatively untamed. Avoid picking up the piglets or interfering with natural social behaviors.
Once you have made it to shore, the pigs generally walk around or find places to relax. They are generally accepting of scratches or pets but may lose interest quickly as well. There are some water troughs up near the shed, the pigs appreciate if you fill them up with the taps, and the shed has information about the pigs on the island as well.
Once you make your way back to the boat, keep your eyes out for other animals such as nurse sharks and rays swimming by!
The Best Tours to Swim With the Pigs in the Exumas
There are many tours that offer trips to the swimming pigs. Many of these have extra stops such as Compass Cay to swim with nurse sharks and other Exuma bucket list destinations!
If you are staying on Great Exuma and want to book direct with a great tour company to customize your trip, check out Crystal Bay Exuma Tours! They can help you customize your perfect trip through the Exuma Cays, and this was a great option that we booked for our girl’s trip to the Bahamas!
Here are some other tours to consider when you visit the Bahamas to swim with pigs including boating tours, private flying tours for the ultimate luxury and stunning views, quick half day tours perfect for short cruise stops to Rose Island, and even your own private catamaran charter!
island hopping with lunch
Luxury Private Flight Tour
Half Day Rose Island Trip
Week-long Sailing Catamaran Trip
Can I feed the pigs
Feeding the pigs is part of the allure of visiting the island. Many tour companies feed them from the boat, but it is highly discouraged to feed them on shore as it can cause the pigs to try and get food from anyone on shore, even if they don’t have any to share! Be mindful that these animals can bite and may try to get your attention with their mouth if you have food on shore. And if you are bringing your own food on your trip, be sure to avoid feeding foods that can be toxic to pics such as tomatoes, chocolate, alcohol, green potatoes, and more.
Tips for visiting the swimming pigs
When you visit the famous swimming pigs, you’ll want to keep a few other things in mind. Here are some helpful tips for visiting the Bahamian pigs:
- Arrive Early to avoid the crowds: Especiallly if you have your own boat or are taking a private tour, try to arrive early to avoid the big crowds that may be coming off of cruises or just later risers
- Do not pick up the piglets: there are signs on the beach asking guests not to pick up the piglets. As these are not entirely “tame” animals, and to not cause extra stress, it is best to leave the piglets on the ground and let their curious nature lead them to you
- Don’t swim directly in front of the pigs: these animals have hooves that can cause scratches or bruises if you get in their way when swimming. Stay to their side or behind them, and avoid swimming directly in front of them!
- The pigs are BIG: they may be much, much larger than you are expecting. These are not your little potbelly pigs that you saw growing up as a kid, rather they are likely a breed that was initially intended to be consumed. Livestock pigs are very large, so be prepared for some of their heads to be able to reach up to your shoulders!
Want to swim with the Bahamas Pigs? Be sure to Pin this to plan your trip!
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