Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas

What to expect

Arriving at Big Major Cay by boat, you will likely spot the pigs before you even anchor. These intelligent animals have learned to recognize the sound of approaching vessels, and the more eager members of the colony often swim out to greet arriving visitors. The beach itself is a pristine crescent of white sand backed by low vegetation, with the pigs wandering freely between shade and shoreline.

The experience is interactive and surprisingly personal. Wading into the shallow water, you can swim alongside the pigs as they paddle around searching for handouts. The smaller piglets are particularly endearing, while the larger adults display remarkable swimming stamina. Most visitors spend an hour or two at the beach, dividing time between swimming with the pigs, photographing these unusual celebrities, and simply enjoying the absurdity of sharing Caribbean waters with barnyard animals.

Best spots

When to go

The swimming pigs can be visited year-round, though timing your visit thoughtfully enhances the experience. Morning hours before 10 AM typically offer the best conditions, with calmer seas, fewer tour boats, and more energetic pigs who have not yet been overwhelmed by visitors. The winter months from November through April bring the most pleasant weather and calmest seas for the boat ride from Staniel Cay. Summer visits are perfectly viable but may coincide with afternoon thunderstorms and slightly rougher conditions. Regardless of season, the pigs are always present and always hungry, making encounters reliable throughout the year.

Tips

• -Bring vegetables and fruits like carrots, apples, and watermelon to feed the pigs, as they have become accustomed to treats from visitors.
• -Visit early in the morning when the pigs are hungriest and most eager to swim, and before the midday rush of tour boats arrives.
• -Keep food in your hands rather than pockets, as the pigs have learned to investigate clothing for hidden snacks.
• -Maintain respectful distance from larger pigs, particularly when food is present, as they can become assertive.
• -Bring an underwater camera or waterproof phone case to capture photos of pigs swimming alongside you.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the swimming pigs?

Big Major Cay is accessible only by boat. Most visitors fly into Staniel Cay Airport and book a tour or water taxi, or arrive aboard a crewed catamaran charter exploring the Exumas. Several tour operators run daily trips from Staniel Cay, Nassau, and other nearby islands, with many combining the pig visit with Thunderball Grotto and other attractions.

Is it safe to swim with the pigs?

Swimming with the pigs is generally safe and suitable for families. The pigs are accustomed to human contact and typically friendly, particularly when food is involved. However, they are still animals with their own temperaments. Keep children close, maintain awareness of larger pigs when food is present, and follow guidance from tour operators or your charter crew.

How did the pigs get to the island?

The exact origin remains a charming mystery with several competing theories. Some locals claim sailors left the pigs as a future food source but never returned. Others suggest they swam ashore from a shipwreck. A third theory holds they were part of a failed business venture. Whatever their origin, the pigs have thrived on Big Major Cay for decades.

Can I visit the swimming pigs on a crewed catamaran charter?

Absolutely. The Exumas are a popular cruising destination, and Big Major Cay is a standard stop on most charter itineraries through the region. Your crew can anchor in the protected waters near Pig Beach, allowing you to dinghy ashore for a more personal encounter away from the tour boat crowds.

Related on Sail Abacos