Swimming with the Pigs at No Name Cay: A Complete Guide
Discover No Name Cay's famous swimming pigs in the Abacos. Learn how to visit Piggyville responsibly, what to bring, and why a private charter is the best way to experience this Bahamas highlight.
You have probably seen the viral photos: plump, pink pigs paddling through impossibly clear turquoise water, snouts tilted upward as they swim toward an approaching boat. While the famous swimming pigs of Exuma get most of the attention, the Abacos has its own colony of aquatic swine that offers something the crowded Big Major Cay cannot: intimacy, authenticity, and the unhurried pace of a genuine Out Island experience.
Welcome to No Name Cay, affectionately known as Piggyville among locals.
Where Is No Name Cay?
No Name Cay sits in the Sea of Abaco, roughly one nautical mile southwest of Green Turtle Cay and about twelve miles north of Marsh Harbour. The cay itself is small, uninhabited by humans, and ringed by a crescent of white sand beach that slopes gently into the shallows. It is exactly the kind of place you picture when you close your eyes and imagine the Bahamas.
The pigs have made the western beach their home. On any given day, you will find between a dozen and twenty pigs lounging in the shade of sea grape trees, wandering the sand, or doing what they do best: swimming out to investigate arriving boats in hopes of a snack.
The Origin Story: How Did Pigs End Up Here?
The precise history is a bit murky, as is often the case with beloved local legends. The most commonly told story is that a resident of nearby Green Turtle Cay brought a few pigs to No Name Cay years ago, intending to raise them away from his own property. The pigs thrived in their island paradise, and over time, the population grew.
Today, the pigs are cared for by members of the local community who bring fresh water and supplemental food. They have become a cherished part of Abaco culture and a draw for visitors from around the world. Unlike the heavily commercialized pig beaches elsewhere in the Bahamas, Piggyville maintains a laid-back, community feel.
Why Visit by Private Charter?
You can technically reach No Name Cay by hiring a boat taxi from Green Turtle Cay or by dinghy if you have your own vessel anchored nearby. But there is a reason that a private catamaran charter like Sail Abacos has become the preferred way for discerning travelers to experience the swimming pigs.
Timing is everything. When you arrive on a crewed charter, Capt. Ron can time your visit to beat the crowds. Most day-trippers arrive between late morning and early afternoon. Show up at dawn or in the golden hour before sunset, and you may have the pigs entirely to yourself.
Local knowledge matters. An experienced captain knows which pigs are friendly and which boars to keep your distance from. He can read the animals' body language and ensure your family stays safe while getting close enough for unforgettable photos.
It is part of a larger adventure. A visit to No Name Cay fits naturally into a 7-day Abacos sailing itinerary that includes snorkeling pristine reefs, exploring historic Hope Town, sampling the legendary Goombay Smash at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar in New Plymouth, and anchoring in secluded coves where the only footprints on the beach are your own.
What to Expect When You Arrive
As your catamaran approaches the western beach, you will likely see the pigs before you drop anchor. They know the sound of a boat engine, and the more eager ones will already be trotting toward the water's edge.
Once the anchor is set, you can wade or swim to shore. The water here is typically calm and waist-deep for a good distance from the beach, making it easy for children and adults alike. As you approach, the pigs will come to you, sniffing and nudging in their eternal quest for treats.
Some visitors swim alongside the pigs in slightly deeper water, which is when the classic photographs happen. The pigs are surprisingly buoyant and paddle with determination, their snouts just above the surface.
On the beach, you will find pigs of all sizes: massive boars that can weigh several hundred pounds, sows keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings, and occasionally piglets tumbling over each other in the sand. The smaller pigs tend to be more playful and curious, while the larger boars can be a bit more assertive.
The Do's and Don'ts of Pig Etiquette
Responsible tourism ensures the pigs stay healthy and that No Name Cay remains a special place for future visitors. Here are the guidelines that every guest should follow:
Do
- Let your crew guide you. Capt. Ron and the Sail Abacos team know these animals and can advise on safe interactions.
- Bring appropriate food if you want to feed them. Fresh vegetables like carrots, apples, and lettuce are good choices. Some visitors bring commercial pig feed.
- Approach calmly and let the pigs come to you. Sudden movements can startle them.
- Supervise children closely. Even friendly pigs can accidentally knock over a small child in their enthusiasm for food.
- Keep a respectful distance from the largest boars. They are not aggressive, but their size makes them unpredictable.
- Take your trash with you. Leave the beach cleaner than you found it.
Do Not
- Feed them bread, chips, crackers, or processed human food. These can cause digestive problems and malnutrition over time.
- Offer alcohol. Yes, this happens more than it should. It is harmful to the pigs.
- Chase or corner the animals. Let them set the pace of interaction.
- Touch piglets without the sow's apparent comfort. Mother pigs are protective.
- Leave any food packaging or plastic on the beach. The pigs will eat almost anything, including trash.
What to Bring
A trip to No Name Cay does not require much gear, but a few items will enhance your experience:
- Reef-safe sunscreen. You will be in the water, and the Bahamian sun is strong.
- A waterproof camera or phone case. The swimming pig photos are worth protecting your electronics.
- Water shoes or sandals. The beach is mostly soft sand, but occasional shells or coral fragments can be sharp.
- A dry bag. Keep your valuables safe on the swim or dinghy ride to shore.
- Appropriate pig treats. If you want to feed the pigs, bring carrots, apples, or other fresh produce. Check with your crew first, as they may already have provisions on board.
- A sense of humor. Pigs will nudge, sniff, and generally treat you as a potential food source. Embrace the absurdity.
Best Time to Visit
Time of Day
Early morning offers the softest light, calmest water, and fewest crowds. The pigs are often active and hungry after a night without visitors. Late afternoon, during the golden hour before sunset, provides beautiful lighting and a more relaxed atmosphere as day-trippers head back to shore.
Midday is the busiest window. Multiple boats may anchor off the beach simultaneously, and the pigs can become overstimulated or retreat to the shade.
Time of Year
The Abacos enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but the sailing season typically runs from November through July. Winter months (December through March) bring cooler temperatures and the steadiest trade winds. Spring and early summer offer warmer water and calmer seas. The period from August through October sees occasional tropical weather, though many charters still operate.
For more on seasonal considerations, see our guide to the best time to sail the Abacos.
Combining No Name Cay with Other Stops
One of the great advantages of visiting the swimming pigs by private charter is the ability to build a full day around the experience. Here are some natural pairings:
Green Turtle Cay and New Plymouth
Just a short sail from No Name Cay, Green Turtle Cay is home to the charming village of New Plymouth, founded by British Loyalists in the 1780s. Wander the narrow streets, admire the pastel clapboard cottages, and stop at the legendary Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar to taste the original Goombay Smash. The Albert Lowe Museum offers a window into the island's shipbuilding heritage.
Snorkeling at Nearby Reefs
The waters around Green Turtle Cay and No Name Cay feature healthy coral heads and abundant marine life. After your pig encounter, drift over a reef to spot parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, eagle rays, and the occasional sea turtle. Your captain can recommend the best spots based on current conditions.
Treasure Cay Beach
Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Treasure Cay's three-mile crescent of powder-white sand is worth a visit. It is located a few miles south of No Name Cay and makes an excellent lunch stop or afternoon swim.
Why the Abaco Pigs Feel Different
If you have visited the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay in the Exumas, you may have experienced the downsides of over-tourism: dozens of boats jockeying for position, pigs that have become jaded or aggressive due to constant crowds, and a general sense of chaos.
No Name Cay offers a contrast. The Abacos attracts fewer visitors overall, and the Piggyville pigs remain a somewhat local secret. Visits tend to be smaller and more personal. The community that cares for the pigs takes genuine pride in their welfare.
This is not to say the experience is entirely undiscovered. The pigs of No Name Cay have appeared in travel publications and on social media. But the pace here is gentler, the crowds thinner, and the sense of connection to place stronger.
Planning Your Visit with Sail Abacos
A stop at No Name Cay is a highlight of nearly every charter itinerary we offer. Whether you book a 3-day taste of the islands or an extended week-long voyage, Capt. Ron will work with you to build an experience that matches your interests.
Our Bali Catspace catamaran, Let's Geaux, accommodates up to eight guests in four private cabins. With twin engines and sailing capability, we can reach No Name Cay comfortably regardless of wind conditions. Your crew handles navigation, anchoring, meal preparation, and all the details, leaving you free to focus on the pigs.
Ready to plan your Abacos adventure? Get in touch to discuss dates and itinerary options. The pigs are waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the swimming pigs in the Abacos?
- The Abaco swimming pigs live on No Name Cay, a small uninhabited island located about one nautical mile from Green Turtle Cay. Locals often call it Piggyville.
- How do you get to No Name Cay to see the pigs?
- No Name Cay is only accessible by boat. You can take a private charter like Sail Abacos, hire a local boat taxi from Green Turtle Cay, or arrive by dinghy if you have your own vessel.
- What should you feed the swimming pigs?
- The pigs should only be fed appropriate foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, or pig feed. Never give them bread, chips, alcohol, or processed human food, as this can make them sick.
- Is it safe to swim with the pigs at No Name Cay?
- Yes, but use caution. The pigs are generally friendly but can be pushy when hungry. Keep a safe distance from the larger boars, supervise children closely, and follow your captain's guidance.
- What is the best time of day to visit the swimming pigs?
- Early morning or late afternoon is ideal. You'll avoid the midday heat, encounter fewer crowds, and the pigs tend to be more active and willing to swim out to greet boats.
Ready to Experience the Abacos?
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