Nestled within the stunning Exuma Cays of the Bahamas lies one of the most delightful and unique experiences in the Caribbean—the chance to swim with the famous Bahamas swimming pigs. These charming swine have become a must-see attraction, drawing travelers from around the globe to Big Major Cay, affectionately known as Pig Beach.

The swimming pigs of Big Major Cay have captured imaginations with their surprising aquatic antics. This uninhabited island, part of the Exuma archipelago, features pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters that serve as the playground for these friendly pigs.

Pigs swimming in Bahamas at the Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)

Travelers can reach Pig Beach with Bahamas Day Trips from Nassau or Georgetown, or through direct flights from Florida offered by Bahamas Air Tours. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the sight of pigs swimming gracefully in the shallow waters, their snouts bobbing above the surface as they eagerly await snacks.

Interacting with these pigs is the most sought after experience in the Bahamas! They are accustomed to human contact and are particularly excited when food is involved. Visitors often feed them fresh fruits and vegetables, enjoying the close-up encounters with these playful creatures.

Beyond the Bahamas swimming pigs, the Exuma Cays offer additional natural wonders, including pristine sand bars and exotic snorkeling spots like Thunderball Grotto and vibrant marine life.

A trip to Pig Beach is more than just a unique adventure; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty of the Exumas and enjoy one of the Bahamas’ most memorable experiences.

The famous Pig Beach

Big Major Cay island is home to the Bahamas Swimming Pigs

Pig Beach, known officially as Big Major Cay, is an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. The name “Big Major Cay” likely stems from the island’s larger size compared to nearby cays and its prominence in the region. The term “Cay” (pronounced “key”) is used for small, low-lying islands in the Caribbean.

While other islands in the Bahamas claim to now have “swimming pigs”, this is not entirely true. The only actual Bahamas Swimming Pigs, ie Pigs that can swim, rather than merely trot into shallow waters, are these Exuma Pigs. These unique Swimming Pigs are known to swim +100m offshore to visiting boats.

Do not get mis-sold a Bahamas swimming pigs adventure on islands like Nassau, Rose Island, Athol Island, Freeport or Grand Bahama, because these are not swimming pigs – merely Pigs on a Beach!

Where are the Bahamas Swimming Pigs?

Overview map of the Bahamas Beach with Pigs – Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)

The Bahamas swimming pigs are located on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. Big Major Cay, often referred to as Pig Beach, is situated within the Exuma district, approximately 80 miles southeast of Nassau.

Pig Beach neighbours Staniel Cay, a transport hub for visiting the Exumna Cays. As one of the key islands in the Exumas, it serves as a gateway to nearby attractions like Compass Cay swimming with Sharks and the Thunderball Grotto.

Where is Big Major Cay Exuma?

Staniel Cay is known for its picturesque beauty, featuring turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a popular departure point for boat tours and flights to explore the surrounding cays, making it a convenient and charming base for discovering the natural wonders of the Exuma Cays.

Bahamas Swimming Pigs Map – Big Major Cay Location in Exumas

Why are there pigs swimming in Bahamas?

The Bahamas swimming pigs of Big Major Cay are surrounded by a fascinating array of myths and stories, each adding to their allure.

One popular tale suggests that the pigs were left by sailors who planned to return and cook them but never came back. According to this story, the pigs survived and thrived on the island, eventually becoming the friendly swimmers we see today. Another story suggests that the pigs swam from a nearby shipwreck.

Bahamas Swimming Pigs in Exuma at the Pig Beach, Big Major Cay. Island with Pigs. Fly from Nassau to Pig Beach with Bahamas Air Tours.

The most accepted story behind their presence suggests that locals from nearby Staniel Cay brought the pigs to Pig Beach in the early 1990s to escape complaints. Making Pig Beach an ideal location where the wind would carry their odors away.

The Bahamas swimming pigs have become a beloved symbol of the Bahamas, drawing travelers from around the world who come to see the charming sight of these swine swimming in crystal-clear waters. Turning Pig Beach into a must-see destination in the Exuma Cays.

Bahamas Swimming Pigs Tours

Swimming with Pigs is the number one activity in the Bahamas! And the only place you can actually see pigs swimming in Bahamas or go to swim with pigs Bahamas is in Exuma – at the Pig Beach (Big Major Cay).

The Bahamas Swimming Pigs in Exuma

Bahamas Air Tours offers exhilarating day trips to Pig Beach Exuma,  providing a seamless and unforgettable experience for travelers.

Swimming Pigs tours from Nassau

From Nassau, the journey begins with a scenic flight over the Exuma Cays. Passengers enjoy stunning aerial views of the turquoise waters and idyllic islands before landing at Staniel Cay. From there, a short boat ride transports you to Pig Beach, where you can interact with the famous swimming pigs. The Nassau to Exuma day trip typically includes opportunities to feed the pigs, swim with them, and explore the Pig Beach.

Swimming Pigs tours from Florida

For those traveling from Florida, Bahamas Air Tours provides tours to Staniel Cay, offering a convenient option for a day trip from Florida without the need for an overnight stay. Upon arrival, travelers are greeted with the same memorable experiences: the playful pigs, the breathtaking natural beauty of the Exumas, and the chance to enjoy other island activities.

Bahamas Swimming Pigs surround the tour boat at Pig Beach

On a Bahamas Air Tour, guests can visit the other stunning Exuma attractions:

Bitter Guana Cay
Bitter Guana Cay is a haven for the endangered Bahamas Rock Iguanas, native to the Bahamas. This rugged island provides a rare chance to observe these distinctive blue and gray reptiles in their natural habitat. Conservation efforts have helped protect these iguanas, making the cay a vital spot for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.

Islands in the Exumas visited on a Bahamas Swimming Pigs Tour

Sandbars at Pipe Cay
The sandbars at Pipe Cay appear during low tide, creating stunning stretches of white sand in the turquoise waters. Ideal for beachcombing, relaxing, and snorkeling, these sandbars offer a serene escape and breathtaking photo opportunities amidst the clear, shallow waters.

Pet Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
Compass Cay is famous for its friendly nurse sharks, often seen around the marina. Visitors can pet and feed these gentle sharks, enjoying close-up interactions and learning about their behavior in a safe, controlled environment.

The day trips with Bahamas Air Tours are well-organized, ensuring that visitors make the most of their time in the Exumas and create lasting memories of their encounter with the charming swimming pigs.