Swimming Pigs Beach

The Bahamas Swimming pigs are undeniably the most sought after excursion in Nassau. Visiting Pig Beach in the Exuma Cays has become accessible with Day Trips from Nassau.

Pig Beach Bahamas, also known as Pig Island or Big Major Cay, is part of the Exuma Cays, a chain of islands in the Bahamas. Pig Beach, the island with pigs, is famous for its unique inhabitants: a population of wild swimming pigs.

These pigs are known for their friendly and curious behavior, and they are a major draw for tourists visiting the Bahamas. The pigs are often seen swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the cove, interacting with visitors, and posing for photos. They’ve become something of an internet sensation and have attracted attention from media outlets around the world. Pig Beach is usually visited as part of boat tours or excursions, and many tour operators offer trips to see and interact with the swimming pigs.

How to visit the Pig Beach Bahamas

To visit Pig Beach Bahamas and experience the unique swimming pigs, you’ll need to plan a trip to the Exuma Cays, where Pig Beach (also known as Big Major Cay) is located.

Most visitors start their journey from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. Nassau is well-connected to major international cities and serves as a hub for travel within the Bahamas.

Big Major Cay is the famous Island with Pigs in the Bahamas

Pig Beach Bahamas is typically reached by boat, so you’ll need to book a boat tour, excursion, or private charter to take you to the Exuma Cays. There are various tour operators that offer Pig Beach tours departing from Nassau. Swimming Pigs Tours to Pig Beach can vary in length, from half-day trips to full-day excursions. Decide how much time you want to spend exploring the area and interacting with the swimming pigs.

Some tours to the Island with Pigs may combine visits to multiple attractions in the Exuma Cays, such as Swimming with Sharks, snorkeling sites, the James Bond Thunderball Grotto, sandbars, and Pig Beach. Check the itinerary and what’s included in the tour package.

It’s important to reserve in advance as Pig Beach tours from Nassau can be popular, especially during peak tourist seasons, so it’s advisable to book your tour in advance to secure your spot.

Exuma Tours from Nassau are a popular way to visit the famous Swimming Pigs

The Bahamas Island with Pigs: Where is it?

Pig Beach, also known as Big Major Cay, is located in the Exuma Cays, which is a group of islands in the Bahamas. It’s a popular tourist attraction known for its unique population of swimming pigs. The Exuma Cays are an archipelago of 365 island  are situated in the central Bahamas, southeast of Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas.

These are the only “Swimming Pigs” in the Bahamas, other islands may offer “Pigs on a Beach”

Origin Story of the Swimming Pigs Island

The exact origin of the swimming pigs on Pig Beach Bahamas (Big Major Cay) in the Bahamas is not definitively known, but there are a few popular theories about how the pigs came to inhabit the island. These theories are more anecdotal rather than scientifically confirmed. Here are some of the most common explanations:

1. Shipwrecked Sailors or Explorers

One theory suggests that sailors or explorers left the exuma pigs on the island with the intention of returning later to use them as a food source. However, for various reasons, the sailors or explorers might not have been able to come back, and the pigs adapted to their new environment.

2. Local Residents

Another theory is that the pigs were brought to the island by local residents as part of an attempt to establish a sustainable food source. Over time, the pigs adapted to their surroundings and became a tourist attraction.

Big Major Cay in Exuma, is the original Bahamas Pig beach

3. Tourism Promotion

Some accounts suggest that the pigs were intentionally placed on the island by residents as a tourism attraction to draw visitors to the area. This seems to be a more modern explanation, possibly dating back a few decades.

Regardless of the origin, the Bahamas Swimming pigs have become a beloved and unique attraction in the Bahamas, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to interact with these friendly swimming pigs. It’s important to note that while the stories are intriguing, the exact history of how the Exuma pigs arrived on Pig Beach Bahamas remains somewhat of a local legend, and no single theory has been definitively proven.

What to do at Big Major Cay (Pig Beach)

Swimming with Pigs: The highlight of a visit to Pig Beach is getting the chance to swim and interact with the pigs in the water. The pigs are known to approach boats and visitors, and they are quite comfortable swimming alongside people.

Feed the Pigs: Some tours allow you to feed the exuma  pigs with appropriate food provided by the guides. It’s important to use the right kind of food that is safe for the pigs’ consumption and doesn’t harm their health.

Photography: Pig Beach Bahamas offers fantastic photo opportunities. Capturing images of the pigs against the backdrop of the pristine beach and crystal-clear water can be a memorable experience.

Snorkeling: Depending on the tour, you might have the chance to snorkel in the nearby waters and explore the underwater world, which often includes coral reefs and marine life.

Explore Other Cays: Many tours that visit Pig Beach also include stops at other beautiful spots in the Exuma Cays. Nearby islands include Compass Cay, home of the Swimming with Sharks experience. And the famous James Bond filming location in Exuma: Thunderball Grotto Cave.

Enjoy the Beach: Apart from the pigs, Pig Beach itself is a stunning beach with soft white sand and clear water. You can relax on the beach, swim, and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas is the top rated excursion

Our Top Tip: Fly from Nassau to Exuma, and enjoy stunning views of the Exuma Cays

Why Swimming with Pigs is one of the top things to do in the Bahamas

Swimming with pigs has become one of the top things to do in the Bahamas due to its unique and captivating nature. The playful and photogenic nature of the swimming pigs at Pig Beach Bahamas makes for incredible photo opportunities. The images of pigs swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters against the backdrop of a pristine beach are eye-catching and shareable on social media. Swimming with pigs is an activity that appeals to a wide range of travelers, including families with children.

Be sure to book a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip by Plane for the ultimate Day Excursion from Nassau.

Looking for more exciting things to do in Nassau? Look no further than our Nassau Destination Guides with interactive Nassau Map.

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