The Nassau Swim with Pigs experience is one of the biggest draws of The Bahamas. After seeing the iconic images of playful pigs lounging on white sand beaches and splashing around turquoise water, millions of travelers arrive in the archipelago each year, hoping to meet the pigs in person.
That said, there are many misconceptions surrounding the Nassau Pigs, including where they actually reside. To help you fully understand the experience and sign up for the best version of it, we’ve put together this guide on how to Swim With Pigs in Nassau Bahamas.
Nassau Swim With Pigs: Meet the Famous Nassau Pigs
Keep reading to find out more!
Nassau Pigs: Where Are They?
The Swimming Pigs live on Big Major Cay in Exuma.
As the capital of The Bahamas, Nassau attracts more travelers each year than any other part of the country. Because of that, tour companies often market the Swimming Pigs as the “Nassau Swim with Pigs Experience.” While you can see pigs on beaches in Nassau and at different parts of the country, the original experience is actually in Exuma.
An island archipelago of the country home to 365 islands, Exuma is famous for its surreal beauty. Crystal-clear water, gorgeous white sand beaches, quaint and charming island towns – Exuma has it all. Notably, the region is also home to several unique attractions, including the famous Swimming Pigs.
The Exuma Pigs live on a small, uninhabited island called Big Major Cay. The island is just over 82 miles (132 kilometers) away from Nassau, making it an ideal day trip destination for travelers hoping to meet pigs in Nassau Bahamas.
How Did They Arrive at Pig Island?
One of the highlights of signing up for a Nassau Swim With Pigs experience in Exuma is the sense of mystery. No individual or tour company brought the pigs to Big Major Cay (or Pig Island, as it’s nicknamed), but they’ve now resided on their island home for decades. Naturally, several theories seek to explain how they got there.
Perhaps the most likely is that nearby farmers on other islands grew tired of the smells the pigs were creating. Hoping to give their noses a break, they transported the pigs to Big Major Cay, periodically returning by boat to feed them. Over the years, this caused the pigs to become friendly and associate boats with food, helping create the famous experience of today. Nevertheless, some locals have other theories, with some of the more popular ones being:
- Shipwreck: A boat passing by the island capsized, with the pigs surviving and swimming to shore
- A meal that never was: Farmers brought the pigs to Big Major Cay not for relief, but to eat them. However, they never returned to finish the job
- A tourist scheme: The pigs are part of a giant, decades-long attempt to draw more travelers to Exuma
No matter which story is true, the Bahamas Swim With Pigs from Nassau experience has become a must-do activity.
Pig Island has become a top-rated travel destination.
Pigs in Nassau Bahamas: How to See Them
If you’re only staying in the capital and wondering how to see the Swimming Pigs, don’t worry. Nassau Swim With Pigs tours to Exuma make it not just possible, but easy. On these tours, travelers make their way to Exuma in the morning, sightsee throughout the region, and return to Nassau in the afternoon. They’re an excellent way to get a taste of another part of The Bahamas while still enjoying the accessibility and amenities of Nassau.
Given the distance between Nassau and Big Major Cay, Swim With Pigs in Nassau Bahamas tours travel by one of two ways: boat or plane.
Swimming With Pigs Tours by Boat
Historically, Nassau Swim With Pigs boat tours have been the more popular way to travel to Exuma. While they can be a good option for some travelers, you’ll want to keep some things in mind.
The first is the travel time. On a good day, it takes around two hours to reach Pig Beach by boat. If weather conditions are poor, that time can increase. In some cases, tours may even be cancelled altogether. This also makes boat tours not a great option for travelers who have a limited amount of time in Nassau.
Likewise, comfort can sometimes be an issue for passengers. While the boat offers a scenic journey, you’re fully exposed to the elements. Expect the hot sun to beat down, waves to smack the boat and spray you, and wind to whip at your face.
Because of these shortcomings, more and more travelers are turning to air travel to traverse the distance between the two islands.
By Plane
Flying treats you to incredible views of sandbars and cays.
Flying gets you to Staniel Cay (an island near Big Major Cay with an airport) in just around 30 minutes. Upon landing, you switch over to a boat and make your way to Pig Beach. That shorter transit time gives you more time to sightsee upon arrival, while still letting you enjoy the experience of cruising around Exuma by boat.
Signing up for Nassau Swim with Pigs tours by plane also allows you to prioritize comfort. Far from a bumpy boat ride, the private-class plane you fly on has plush leather seats and a personal window for each traveler. Expect mesmerizing views from the sky as you soar above the stunning chain of islands beneath you.
From the shorter travel time to the prioritization of comfort, air travel generally offers the best Bahamas Swim with Pigs from Nassau experience.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
After switching over to a boat on Staniel Cay, you’ll begin your Nassau Swim With Pigs day trip. Pig Beach will be one of your first steps, and the first glimpse you catch of the island will be one of the most memorable.
As your boat approaches the stunning island, expect to see several pigs hop in the water and paddle out to greet you. After tossing them pig-friendly foods, you’ll have the opportunity to jump in the water along with them and go swimming with pigs.
Expect the Swimming Pigs to greet you upon arrival!
You’ll also have time to explore a bit of their island home. Even if you’ve seen pigs at a barn up close before, seeing them run around a paradisiacal island is an experience unlike any other. From taking selfies with the pigs to bottle feeding piglets, you’re almost guaranteed to leave the island with a smile on your face.
Following your time at Big Major Cay, you’ll make your way to several other attractions. As you tour Exuma, you can look forward to:
- Swimming with a school of nurse sharks at Compass Cay
- Walking on a pristine white sand bar
- Visiting an underwater plane wreck that crashed decades ago
- …and more!
Swimming with pigs is a highlight for many. But who knows? You might end up loving one of the other attractions even more.
10 Reasons to book a Bahamas Air Tours Exuma Day Trip from Nassau:
- The original Swimming Pigs fly-in Tour Operator from Nassau.
- Inclusive Pricing: Price includes flights, lunch, hotel transfers in Nassau and taxes.
- Fly to Exuma in 40 minutes, vs a 3-hour uncomfortable Powerboat Ride one way.
- Since flying is quicker, you get more time on island to visit 6 Attractions.
- Explore our 6 Exuma Attractions.
- Guaranteed small group size, 10-14 persons per boat.
- Operates Rain or Shine. Weather Cancellation very rare.
- Private Boat Upgrade Packages available.
- Exclusive Fully Private Day Trip available on request with private flights and private boat.
- Trusted, fully licensed US registered Tour Company with 5-Star Trip Advisor Rating.
Nassau Swim With Pigs: The Highlight of Your Trip
Whether you’re in The Bahamas for a day or a week, no trip is complete without partaking in the Nassau Swim With Pigs experience. Despite residing outside of the capital area in Exuma, air travel makes it easy to see the Pigs on their island home of Big Major Cay.
Along the way, you can look forward to seeing several other amazing attractions like nurse sharks, sandbars, and a sunken plane wreck.
Ready to reserve the highlight of your Bahamas vacation? Book a day trip with Bahamas Air Tour today!
