There is a plethora of Pig Island tours to choose from to see the world-renowned Bahamas pigs. However, only the Exuma pigs of Big Major Cay can be called the original Bahamas pigs. You won’t believe your eyes as you pull up onto Exuma Pig Beach and the adorable pigs in the Bahamas start piggy-paddling out in the crystal clear water to be fed. Every Instagram dream you have ever had will finally be coming to fruition.
The Bahamas is an island country made up of hundreds of islands and cays (over 700) and the prettiest beaches you will lay eyes on. Some consider it the most stunning of the region which is split between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and rising and fading tides of the Atlantic Ocean. The real swimming pigs beach is located on the island of Big Major Cay of Pig Island Exuma. It is one of the 365 islands and cays which make up the exotic Exuma Cays. This region — the out islands — is known for being the most gorgeous of the whole country with much quieter, lazier days. There are many swimming pigs Nassau tours which likely will take you to a knock-off of the original Pigs Beach.
The benefit of vacationing to Bahamas with Bahamas Air Tours is the far-out distance into the out islands we will take you. Aboard our Cessna Grand Caravan Bahamas air charter, your flights to Bahamas will never get more comfortable and we can fly you to smaller airfields which the large airlines and cruise companies can not reach. The view of glittering coastlines and a body of water covering every shade of turquoise and blue — what are you waiting for? Book your tours to Pig Beach or day trip to Bahamas with us today!
Check out the Bahamas swimming pigs beach today!
What you need to know about Pig Island tours
Pig Island tours aren’t hard to find in the Bahamas, but finding the right one can be challenging. That is why you should know as much as you can about swimming with pigs Bahamas before making your choice. Below, we have provided you with a wealth of information we wish we knew before our first Pig Island tours.
History of Exuma Pig Beach
The best part about the small out islands of the Exumas is each has its own culture, its own traditions, and its own folklore which has been passed down from generation to generation. This is no different when it comes to the story from Big Major Cay surrounding the Bahamas pigs.
Though some legends suggest the Exuma pigs were brought by sailors intending on using as livestock but abandoning during a big storm — what most locals believe is true is a little different.
It is widely believed around Staniel Cay (Big Major Cay’s neighbor) that the Bahamas pigs were brought to what is now known as Pig Island after complaints from the community on Staniel Cay that the farmer’s pigs were bringing an unpleasant odor to town. So, the farmers shipped them across to Pig Island and made the ten-minute boat ride to feed them every day. As more tourists arrived on Staniel Cay each year, soon, the secret of the Bahamas pigs was out and Pig Island tours became one of the most popular attractions of the Bahamas.
It is unsure how many pigs started on the beach, but now it is believed the number of pigs which can be seen on your Pig Island tours hovers around 20-25 adult pigs and piglets.
Check out the Bahamas pigs on your Pig Island tours.
How to get to Pig Island Exuma
Fortunately, Pig Island tours have become more accessible with the passing years. Now, it is entirely possible to fly with us to Staniel Cay from one of either Nassau, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or any number of other local airports as long as we are allowed access to the airstrip.
Once you’ve landed from the quick flight to Staniel Cay, it is just a quick jaunt to Staniel Cay Yacht Club where nearby you can find either a local fisherman or a sort of water taxi to transport you the ten-minute ride to Big Major Cay across the way. This price can often be negotiated with the local once you find someone willing to take you.
Before you know it, you will be greeted by not-so-little pink friends floating to your boat to catch the food you toss outside the boat. Then, the excitement really begins and your Pig Island tours will be off to a roaring start.
Take one of Bahamas Air Tours Pig Island tours.
Swimming Pigs Beach etiquette
With all the excitement about your Pig Island tours, it is important to remember to be an ethical traveler and make sure you are abiding by all the rules set in place by locals and also considering your actions to leave Exuma Pig Beach in a better state than when you arrived.
There are a few things to remember on your Pig Island tours to ensure you are being a conscious traveler and ensuring the safety of the Exuma pigs.
Do not taunt the pigs
First, it should be obvious but also pointed out not to tease the pigs. After all, they are still animals and, practically, wild animals at that. They can get aggressive if you mess with their eating schedule.
Never let a pig eat from your hand
To go along with the first point, it’s important to never let the pig eat from your hand. Always nicely set the food in front of the pig or toss it into the water from the boat. Don’t throw the food at the pig — it’s not going to catch it like your dog at home. That is taunting and cruel to the animal. Although the pigs look friendly, they could have a difficult time distinctly choosing to eat your food rather than your fingers. Keep your hands away from their mouth.
Only feed approved food to the pigs
Fruits, vegetables, and bread are generally a safe bet if bringing food along. However, you can also purchase food to feed the pig upon arrival or (most likely) from your Pig Island tours operator.
It is important to remember that ever since tourists arrived, the Exuma pigs have become lazy about foraging the island for their own food. We don’t blame them — if the good food is always served right in front of them every afternoon, why bother with looking for their own? This means the food you feed them is also their only source of survival. Remember that.
Aerial view of the beautiful Bahamas.
Tours to Pig Beach Exuma Day Trips
Getting from Florida to Bahamas has never been easier. We will help you with everything along the way — all the way down to cultivating your personal itinerary to make your Bahamas vacation a memory of a lifetime. You will love our wide viewing windows — the biggest viewing windows on any aircraft in the world.
Sign up for one of our Miami to Bahamas day trip so we can show you why Bahamas day trips by plane are so special. No more lengthy security lines or airport hassle. Instead, you can save time you would normally wait for large tour groups on ferries. Take one of our Staniel Cay day trips or any other one day cruise to Bahamas to fly private with us and move at your own speed. Experience what a vacation feels like completely in your own hands. Book one of our Pig Island tours today!
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