Adorable, Wild, & Fun - Here’s How To Meet The Swimming Pigs Of The Bahamas!

Picture: Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau offers excursions to meet the swimming pigs. The best part? All drinks are on us.

As you glide across the shimmering waters of The Bahamas, past lush islands and hidden cays, paradise unfolds before your eyes. Like ice in your crisp, cool tropical drink, your heart begins to melt.

Your boat drifts toward a sun-kissed beach, where a lively crew of pigs and piglets wade into the shallows, eager to greet you with playful splashes.

Welcome to Pig Island—where the good vibes never end.

What began in the early ’90s with just five little piglets (four females and one lucky male) has grown into a heartwarming island tradition, even expanding to other islands in The Bahamas. The famous swimming pigs attract visitors from around the world for an adventure that’s uniquely Bahamian.

In this article on the Sandals Blog:

All about the ‘Beach Babes’
Where and how to visit the original swimming pigs
Getting to Pig Island from Exuma
Getting to Pig Island from Nassau

Other beaches with swimming pigs in The Bahamas

The best time to go swimming with the pigs
Packing for your swimming pigs adventure
Safety tips when interacting with the swimming pigs
FAQs about swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas

All about the ‘Beach Babes’ of Big Major Cay

As you would expect with creatures so wildly adorable, the famous swimming pigs of The Bahamas have gained much internet fame over the years. These pigs reside on various islands in this territory including Eleuthera, Rose Island, Abaco, and Ship Channel Cay, but the main island where you can find swimming pigs in The Bahamas is Big Major Cay. The pigs on Big Major Cay (Pig Island) are considered the ‘original swimming pigs’ of The Bahamas. There are about 20 pigs on this island and piglets as well.

Depending on whom you ask, you might hear stories about how the pigs were brought to The Bahamas by sailors (or possibly even hungry pirates!). Some stories suggest that they swam to The Bahamas from a nearby shipwreck. One of the most popular local legends revolves around a man named Wayde Nixon who is said to have brought the pigs to the islands along with business partner Don Rolle. Their intention? To start a pig farm in the 1990s. Helping to create a sustainable food supply could have been their objective.

What you need to know ahead of a trip to Big Major Cay is that yes, the piggies can actually swim. Added to that, the pigs swim up to your boat once you arrive on the island. On Big Major Cay, piglets are thought to possibly outnumber the hogs with a ratio of at least 2:1!

Why you’ll love the swimming pigs of The Bahamas

The famous pigs of Pig Island are wild, yet they can be playful, adorable, and hungry! They love the fact that visitors to this island sometimes come bearing gifts (food!) though restrictions have been implemented regarding who can feed the pigs, and when. In terms of where you might have seen the pigs in the past, they made an appearance on The Bachelor TV show that was quite memorable!

Visiting Pig Beach: Best ways to travel to Big Major Cay

The original swimming pigs of The Bahamas live on Big Major Cay. The nearest inhabited island to this one is Great Exuma, but you’ll need to get there by boat. If you want to catch a boat to Big Major Cay from Great Exuma or Nassau, you’ll either need to book a tour, charter your own boat or catch a ride with a friend who owns one. With a boat charter, you’ll have the freedom to visit other islands as you get to know more about The Bahamas. If you rent a boat, consider hiring a tour guide who can help you navigate this experience.

Here are some more details on the distance from Nassau (New Providence) and George Town (Exuma) to Pig Island:

● 82 miles from Nassau (132 km) = 2-3-hour boat ride to the SE
● 50 miles from George Town (80 km) = 2-hour boat ride to the NW

Expert tip: It takes less time to get to Big Major Cay from Exuma than from New Providence (Nassau).

Traveling to Pig Island from the Exuma Cays

You can get to Pig Island from Exuma fairly easily. There are various ways to do so including by plane and by boat. If you fly to Exuma from New Providence Island, you’ll still need to hop on a boat to get to Pig Island once you arrive. The cost can vary for this excursion; it all depends on the tour operator. Here are some more details on getting to Pig Island from Exuma:

● Go on a one-day tour - Exuma Cays Swimming Pigs Adventure). This tour includes cruising around the Exuma Cays, snorkeling, interacting with swimming pigs and endangered iguanas, and enjoying lots of snacks and beverages along the way.

● Go by plane from Great Exuma - It is possible to fly to a nearer point in Exuma to facilitate your swimming pigs’ tour. The best option will be to land in Staniel Cay and then catch a boat to Pig Island. FlamingoAir/Bahamasair can take you to Staniel Cay. Keep in mind that a passport is necessary for visitors to book domestic flights in The Bahamas.

Traveling to Pig Island from Nassau

While Exuma is the nearest island to the best swimming pigs’ excursions in The Bahamas, you can also plan a trip to Pig Island from Nassau. Pig Beach is located southeast of Nassau, and it takes about 3 hours to travel from island to island. Here are a few day trip options for this experience from Nassau:

● Go on a one-day trip by plane to Big Major Cay from Nassau - (Nassau to Exuma Day Trip Swimming Pigs). You’ll arrive either at Staniel Cay, Black Point, or Farmers Cay. The closest option to fly into is Staniel Cay. This can cost around $135-$250 USD a seat.

● Go on a one-day trip by power boat to Big Major Cay from Nassau - This option is best for a scenic adventure. During your power boat tour, you might even get an opportunity to feed stingrays and see sharks up close, in addition to meeting the pigs.

Expert tip: If you're staying at all-inclusive resorts in Nassau like Sandals Royal Bahamian, you’ll be able to book your swimming pigs tour through your resort. Most excursions and tours booked through Sandals Resorts include transportation.

Where else can you visit swimming pigs in The Bahamas?

There are quite a few islands where you can visit swimming pigs in The Bahamas. And before we get into these, we’ll say this—swimming with pigs can be just the motivation you need to go island-hopping in The Bahamas! Aside from Pig Island, you might be able to interact with swimming pigs on the islands of Eleuthera, Rose Island, Ship Channel Cay, and No Name Cay, Abaco. Following the success of the original swimming pigs tours, the following islands offer similar experiences where visitors can get up close to these wild animals:

Meeks Patch Island, Eleuthera

How to get there: From Nassau, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Meeks Patch Island in North Eleuthera when traveling by boat.

Taking a day trip to Eleuthera is a great way to experience swimming pigs in The Bahamas. Eleuthera is well-known for its pink sand beaches, and for being one of the top Caribbean surfing destinations in The Bahamas. The tiny Meeks Patch Island in northern Eleuthera is home to swimming pigs, ducks, and even a turkey! Excursions like the Eleuthera Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling Experience give you the opportunity to see these friendly pigs on Meeks Patch Island, plus Rose Island (which has its own pigs!), and Green Cay where you can snorkel with majestic green turtles.

Rose Island

How to get there: You can take a 25-minute boat ride from either Nassau or Paradise Island to get to Rose Island.

Rose Island is a great spot for a day trip, and its home to a fun-loving crew of swimming pigs! There are nine pigs on the island—Babe, Wilbur, Pumba, Larry, Curly, Mo, Ginger, Pepper, and Spice—all ready to make a splash. A tour to see the pigs often includes snorkeling, lunch, and more, making for an unforgettable island adventure.

Expert tip: The Rose Island Reef is one of the best places to go snorkeling in The Bahamas. You can combine your swimming pigs excursion with an underwater experience at this thriving reef.

Ship Channel Cay

How to get there: A boat trip is the best way to get to Ship Channel Cay. It can take about an hour (varies) to get from New Providence Island to Ship Channel Cay.

You can visit Ship Channel Cay on a powerboat tour while in The Bahamas, with most tours offering day trips to this scenic spot. This tiny island is about two miles long and half a mile wide, but it packs plenty of charm. Like other swimming pig experiences in The Bahamas, a visit to Ship Channel Cay offers the chance to snap some amazing (and highly Instagrammable) vacation photos!

No Name Cay, Abaco

How to get there: Reach Treasure Cay by renting a car from Marsh Harbour (about 30 minutes away), then take a boat to No Name Cay. You can also charter a boat directly from Marsh Harbour, though this is generally more expensive. Local tours are also available from Green Turtle Cay.

The swimming pigs on this serene island are not as famous as their cousins on Big Major Cay, but it can be fun to take a day trip from Treasure Cay to No Name Cay to see them. A tour from Treasure Cay to see the swimming pigs starts at around $55 USD per person.

Dove Cay, Long Island

How to get there: You can get from Nassau on New Providence Island to Long Island via boat or plane. It can take around 1 hour and 26 minutes to get there by boat. Dove Cay is just minutes from Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos) by boat.

Several swimming pigs have been spotted on Dove Cay, located in northwest Long Island, over the years. Another place to find them is Sandy Cay, situated on the western side of Long Island. Since Sandy Cay is a private island, you'll need an approved tour boat to visit. The pigs on both islands are believed to have been brought over from Big Major Cay.

Best time to travel to swim with pigs in The Bahamas

Generally, the best time to visit The Bahamas is between mid-December to mid-April. This is also the best time to go swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. Since this is the peak travel season for The Bahamas, it won’t be hard to find swimming pigs excursions. Keep in mind that June-November can be less busy due to slightly increased rainfall at times. No worries though, rain showers don’t typically last long in the islands!

When it comes to the best days and times to swim with the pigs, it’s always a good idea to head out as early as possible, on any day that suits you. For a more comfortable experience before the sun gets too intense, sign up for an early tour to Big Major Cay or plan to set out early if you’re using your own boat (or a boat charter). Recent regulations from The Bahamas’ Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources may soon prohibit private boats from visiting the pigs to better manage their care and environment. It’s best to check the latest rules before your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Good to know: If you visit Big Major Cay (Pig Island) around lunchtime or late afternoon, you’re likely to find the pigs resting on the beach after having their fill of food.

What to pack for your Swimming with Pigs excursion

If you’re planning on visiting Big Major Cay to see the swimming pigs of The Bahamas during your vacation, there are a few things you won’t want to leave behind. We’ve listed some of the most important:

● Towel & change of clothes - Walk with a towel and a change of clothing so you can dry off and change once you’re done enjoying the water.

● Swimsuit - If you visit Pig Island via a boat trip, chances are you’re going to get wet. The beaches here are very inviting, so walk with or wear a swimsuit.

● Camera - Stay camera ready during this tour, you never know what amazing photo opportunities will come up! If you have a waterproof camera, this might be a good opportunity to put it to use.

● Cash - Bring a small amount of cash with you on this tour. Around $50 USD or BSD should suffice, preferably in smaller bills. Both U.S. and Bahamian currencies are accepted.

● Sunscreen - As with all boat tours in The Bahamas, you’ll want to apply plenty of sunscreen ahead of time. This tour includes lots of time in the sun, so be sure to bring enough for reapplications, especially if you plan on getting into the water.

● Water shoes - These will come in handy when walking around the island and particularly if you choose to get into the water to see the pigs up close.

● Insect repellent - Keep safe from bug bites by packing some repellant and bringing it along with you for your tour to Pig Island.

● Don’t wear expensive jewelry - You might want to consider leaving your pricier jewelry behind or not wearing any jewelry at all during this and other excursions in The Bahamas as these items can easily get lost. Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas have rooms and suites that come with their own safes. Store your valuables during your vacation (or leave them at home) for the ultimate peace of mind!

Safety tips when interacting with swimming pigs

First things first—let’s talk about petting the pigs. On Pig Island, visitors are usually allowed to interact with them, but as with any animal encounter, it’s important to use discretion. Always respect the pigs, treat them kindly, and they’ll likely do the same in return. Be cautious when approaching or handling them, and always act thoughtfully and responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

It is not recommended that you handle the piglets. They might squeal if you pick them up, which might startle you and cause you to drop them. The same goes for the older pigs (handling), and it is also not recommended that you try to “ride” the hogs. Overall, when interacting with the pigs, keep an eye on them at all times.

Feeding the pigs

There have been some issues with visitors to the island feeding the pigs in the past, so the Bahamian Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources has hinted that this allowance might change in the future. For the time being and for the well-being of the animals, this is what you need to keep in mind when feeding the pigs on Pig Island:

● Be extra careful - If you turn your back on the pigs, they might think you're ignoring them and nip you to get your attention. Keep your eyes on the animals, and if they approach you thinking you have food when you don’t, show them your open palms so that they understand that you don’t.
● Learn about the recommended foods - If you plan on feeding the pigs, keep in mind that the pigs eat pitted fruits and vegetables, lettuce, carrots, watermelon, apples, and freshwater. Their supply of fresh water on the island is limited and sometimes even dries up. Water is always welcome!
● Do not feed the pigs if you are scared - Plain and simple, this is a no-no. The pigs are quite large, and it is possible that they might try to chase you if you're carrying food. If you are scared of the pigs, do not walk onto the beach with any food at all.
● Do not feed the pigs on the sand - It is not recommended that you feed the pigs on the sand. The preferred option is to feed them in the water when they come swimming up to your boat. Feeding the pigs on the sand can result in them ingesting too much sand, which is not good for them. If you’re not sure, opt out of feeding the pigs altogether.

Possible changes ahead for feeding the pigs on Pig Island

When it comes to feeding the pigs, it is important to note that they are perfectly able to find their own food on the island without being fed by visitors — they’ve done this for many years. In terms of the possible changes when it comes to feeding the pigs, the relevant authorities have proposed that a warden might soon be posted at the beach and boundary lines laid out. This means that visitors may only be able to view the pigs but not feed them. It is not clear when these changes will take effect. In the future, visits to Pig Island might be limited for the safety of the pigs and the preservation of the general area.

Other concerns currently also include the domestication of the pigs, which once lived mainly in the small forest sections on Pig Island. With the large numbers of visitors coming to see them by boat, the pigs have gravitated towards the beach over time, which is not their natural habitat. This has had consequences. Fortunately, conversations are already being had on measures that can be put in place to protect the pigs yet still allow visitors on a smaller scale.

Other excursions to book with your Swimming Pigs Tour

There are many excursions that you can sign up for in The Bahamas that will not only let you see the swimming pigs but also tie in other nature-oriented activities. This includes tours to see the rock iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay, visits to Thunderball Grotto (made famous by James Bond), and to the Exuma Sand Bars at Pipe Cay.

You can also do combination tours of Big Major Cay and Compass Cay (swimming with nurse sharks) or Big Major Cay and the Pablo Escobar sunken drug plane tour. Additionally, the nearby Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the perfect place to stop off for lunch or dinner.

If you want to spend time with more Bahamian animals during your trip, you can also stop by West Bay Adventures to snorkel with sea turtles. Though this destination is a little far from Pig Island, it is still a good spot to add to your Bahamian island hopping itinerary.
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FAQs about swimming with pigs in The Bahamas

When do pig beach tours normally run in The Bahamas?

Boats and tours in The Bahamas typically operate between the hours of 8 AM/9 AM local time (morning), and 5 PM (sunset).

How much does a day tour cost for Pig Island? Can you pay in USD?

A tour to see the swimming pigs in The Bahamas can cost anywhere from $160 to 210 USD per person. The price of this tour varies based on the tour operator. Shop around before selecting the best one for you. In The Bahamas, you can pay for tours with U.S. dollars (USD). Though the main currency of these islands is the Bahamian Dollar, USD is widely accepted.

How long do swimming pig tours usually last?

Most tours are around four hours though some can be more or less. Travel time is usually not included in this calculation. The duration of your tour will depend on whether you sign up for a half or full-day tour, and the type of excursion/tour you will be going on. Some adventures span for an entire day, while there are shorter options that last just a few hours.

Do you have to get in the water to interact with the swimming pigs?

No, it is not a must that you get wet to interact with the swimming pigs in The Bahamas. You may be able to interact with the pigs right from the boat as they tend to swim out to meet arriving boats. With that said, some people choose to get off the boat and make their way to the island when the boat gets close enough to shore. If you choose to do so, you’ll likely get wet in the process!

What are the various types of swimming pigs tours available in The Bahamas?

There are many different types of tours available in The Bahamas including power boat trips, catamaran cruise trips, one-day excursions with flights to the various islands, and a range of excursions and tours. Many of these options include transportation from your resort and back.

Who should avoid the Pig Island excursion?

For safety reasons, the Swimming with the Pigs excursion is not recommended for women who are pregnant, individuals who are physically challenged, people with back problems or who have had recent back surgery, anyone who is physically handicapped, and people who get seasick easily.

Is Pig Island/Big Major Cay inhabited by humans?

Big Major Cay is not inhabited by humans. This island is one of the many uninhabited islands of The Bahamas and it is primarily used for tours.

Can you stay overnight on Big Major Cay?

It is not possible at this time to overnight on Big Major Cay as part of a tour. Most tours just spend a few hours on the island and then return to the mainland. There aren’t any facilities here currently that would make it possible to overnight on the island.

What is there to see on Big Major Cay other than pigs?

The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay may be the main attraction, but this island also boasts powdery white sand beaches and a lush, green forest. Even if you visit just for the pigs, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy—from lounging on the beach to exploring the island’s natural beauty.

Are there opportunities to take photos on Pig Island?

Yes, there will be opportunities to take photos during your visit to Pig Island. Before setting up to take photos, make sure you’re completely aware of your surroundings.

Can I get to Pig Beach by any means other than by boat?

A boat ride is the only way to get to Pig Beach in The Bahamas. Even if you fly to Exuma from another island, you’ll still need to take a boat from there to get to Pig Island. This can be easily arranged via a tour.

Swim with pigs on your dream getaway in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a must-visit destination with so much to explore. During your stay, start with the breathtaking beaches, tour historic and cultural sites, and savor authentic Bahamian cuisine. Add a little adventure with hikes through national parks, thrilling water park visits, or a relaxing stay at one of the couples-only all-inclusive resorts. Whatever you decide to do, this vacation will be one you won't soon forget!

Expert tip: There are lots of exciting things to do in The Bahamas! Don't be afraid to step into adventure!

Stay at the all-inclusive resort Sandals Royal Bahamian and make your way to the swimming pigs of pig island!