While South Florida is stunning, the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of The Bahamas offer a whole new level of tropical paradise. Given its proximity to the Sunshine State, consider taking advantage of a day trip to Bahamas from Florida.
On our Bahamas Air Tours day trips from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas, you fly out in the morning, giving you the afternoon to explore local highlights before returning to Florida in the evening.
Curious about the journey and the stunning highlights you can see upon landing? Read on for those answers and more.
Day Trip to Bahamas From Florida: The Ultimate Pig Island Tour
The Swimming Pigs really do love paddling in the warm, clear blue water.
Pig Beach: The Swimming Pigs and Where to Find Them
Running through lush undergrowth and snorting through the aquamarine shallows surrounding their island, images of the Swimming Pigs have captivated the world.
Residing on Big Major Cay in Exuma, the home of the pigs is around 80 miles (128 kilometers) southeast of Nassau. While small, the island’s seclusion is part of its charm. You won’t find hotels or shopping centers on Pig Island, just stunning scenery and a group of surprisingly social pigs.
The exact origins of the pigs are murky. Some believe that farmers brought the pigs to the uninhabited island to relieve the main islands of their smells. Others claim they were shipwrecked and swam to shore or were intended to be future food. We may never know the full truth, but the pigs have thrived and become a gregarious group.
Over the years, nearby islanders have traveled to Big Major Cay to feed the pigs, causing them to associate boats with food. Today, on your day trip to Bahamas from Florida, don’t be surprised to see them paddle out to greet you.
Trips to Bahamas From Florida by Plane
If you’re hoping to see the friendly Exuma Pigs of Big Major Cay, the best way to do so is by booking a day trip to Bahamas from Florida or Nassau.
On our day trips from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas, you’ll depart the United States in the early morning aboard a private-class plane. The journey to Exuma takes around two hours, which includes a brief stop at Andros Island to clear customs. Expect a comfortable voyage and sweeping aerial views of the colorful archipelago beneath you along the way.
Upon landing in the Exuma Cays, you’ll hop into a boat and begin exploring the magical chain of islands. Specific stops include the playful Swimming Pigs and several other nearby attractions (more on these below). After touring the area and soaking up your fill of fun, excitement, and beauty, you’ll board the plane again and return to South Florida in time for dinner.
These day trips to Bahamas from Miami prioritize spectacular sightseeing and accessibility. You just need to show up, soak it all in, and enjoy the ride.
Nothing compares to the experience of flying over The Bahamas.
Plane vs. Ferry: Which Bahamas Day Trip Is Best?
Travelers often consider the ferry as an option for a day trip to Bahamas from Florida, but flying is far and away the better choice.
While the plane ride prioritizes comfort and efficiency, the ferry often features crowds of people, a lengthy and jostle-prone voyage, and limited sightseeing opportunities along the way. If the weather turns, it’s not uncommon for trips to Bahamas from Miami to be delayed or canceled altogether.
Similarly, your destination also changes. Instead of visiting Exuma, you’re limited to traveling to Freeport or Bimini. While both islands are beautiful and have their charms, they’re closest to Florida. That means more people and a more touristy atmosphere, in general. Seeing the original Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay is also out of the question, given how long it would take to travel there.
If your goal is to visit Pig Beach, see the vibrant cays of Exuma, and enjoy a smooth, luxurious travel experience, air travel is the way to go.
Pigs in The Bahamas: What You’ll See at Pig Island
Located near Pig Island, Staniel Cay is your entry and exitpoint to Exuma.
After soaring through the skies on your day trip to Bahamas from Florida, you’ll land in paradise on the island of Staniel Cay. Once there, you’ll cruise over to the nearby magical Island of Pigs.
As your boat approaches Big Major Cay, expect to see a handful of pigs snorting and swimming out to greet you. At that time, your guide will share some pig-friendly foods that you can toss to them. Afterward, you can hop in the water and wade onto their tropical island home.
Big Major Cay has no permanent structures, but you’ll see some small shelters the pigs lounge in for shade. Many of the pigs congregate around this area, while others will be walking along the beach and trotting through the shallow water.
Besides observing the pigs, you’ll also have the chance to bottle-feed piglets. While you might have seen pigs and piglets of varying sizes on a farm before, interacting with them on one of the most picturesque islands in the world makes for an experience unlike any other.
Miami to The Bahamas Day Trip: Other Attractions
The Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay are undeniably a highlight on a day trip to Bahamas from Florida. That said, they’re just one of several unforgettable stops on your journey.
All in all, travelers explore seven destinations on trips to Bahamas from Florida. Three others you can look forward to seeing include:
Staniel Cay: The Gateway to Exuma
Home to a regional airport, Staniel Cay serves as the Gateway to Exuma. Far from just being a local transfer point, however, the island puts the beauty of the area on full display. Expect to see colorful tropical foliage, postcard-perfect beaches, and clear blue water lapping at the shore.
After visiting the Swimming Pigs and other nearby attractions, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch on Staniel Cay before returning to Florida.
Compass Cay: Swim With Sharks in The Bahamas
Swimming with sharks at Compass Cay is another highlight on a Miami to The Bahamas day trip.
Pigs aren’t the only animals you can swim with in The Bahamas. On a day trip to Bahamas from Florida, you can also look forward to swimming with sharks at Compass Cay.
Another nearby island, the waters around Compass Cay are home to a school of nurse sharks. Befriended by the owner of the local marina, the sharks have stuck around the clear waters by the piers for years.
As nurse sharks, particularly those at Compass Cay, are docile, the island is one of the world’s best places to go swimming with sharks. While the experience is safe, hopping in the water with the sharks is optional. Watching them from the docks makes for a memorable time as well!
Pipe Creek: Walk on Stunning Bahamas Sandbars
Gorgeous sandbars are another stop on day trips from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas.
Big Major Cay, Staniel Cay, and Compass Cay are all beautiful destinations. However, if there’s one attraction that features truly otherworldly natural beauty, it’s Pipe Creek sandbar.
Home to a group of sandbars, the area becomes traversable when the azure water pulls back at low tide. At that time, you’ll be able to walk atop the sand, sinking your toes into it as warm water pools around your feet.
Have your camera on hand at Pipe Creek – it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo.
Day Trip to Bahamas From Florida: The Perfect Getaway
If you’re in Miami or Fort Lauderdale and are looking for a getaway, sign up for a day trip to Bahamas from Florida. With a comfortable and luxurious journey to The Bahamas and seven incredible Exuma attractions to see once you arrive, the excursion promises an unforgettable experience.
For the best experience, book a tour that flies – it’s far quicker than the ferry and gets you closer to The Bahamas’ most iconic sights, including Pig Island.
For seamless and scenic day trips to Bahamas from Florida, contact us and book your Bahamas adventure with us today!
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