Historically known for its gorgeous tropical scenery, The Bahamas has become famous for another attraction in recent years: pigs in the ocean. From running across beaches to splashing and snorting through crystal-clear water, more and more travelers are visiting The Bahamas to see the iconic pigs that swim in the ocean.
But where is the Island With Pigs, and how did the experience of swimming with its inhabitants come to be in the first place? Our guide will help you answer those questions and more.
Pigs in the Ocean? Meet the Swimming Bahamas Pigs
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Pigs Beach Bahamas 101
If you’ve seen photos of pigs in the ocean, they’re most likely the Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay. Located in Exuma, a district of The Bahamas containing 365 islands, the island is an uninhabited, picturesque paradise.
The Exuma Cays are renowned for their natural beauty. From Big Major Cay to nearby islands like Staniel Cay, the region is known for its crystal-clear water and postcard-perfect beaches.
Big Major Cay is located around 80 miles (128 kilometers) from Nassau, making it a perfect day trip destination. By plane, the journey from the capital takes just about 30 minutes.
These Swimming Bahamas Pigs tours make it easy to visit Pig Beach from Nassau without spending the night in Exuma.
The Swimming Pigs have become a popular travel attractions.
How Did the Island With Pigs Come to Be?
Many travelers wonder how the pigs in the ocean first came to be. Notably, there’s no clear answer – depending on who you speak with, you may hear one of several theories.
Perhaps the most likely theory is that farmers on nearby islands brought the Swimming Bahamas Pigs to Big Major Cay decades ago. While pigs are generally clean animals, they can sometimes be smelly – particularly in the tropics. To minimize the smell, the farmers relocated the pigs to Big Major Cay, returning from time to time to feed them. Over the years, the pigs began associating boats with food, creating the iconic experience travelers enjoy today.
That said, some people believe that the pigs were shipwrecked and swam to shore, while others claim farmers intended to eat the pigs but never got around to doing so. While their exact origins remain up for debate, one thing is certain: the pigs have happily made Big Major Cay their home.
Today, still associating boats with food, the Swimming Pigs paddle out to greet the travelers who are there to see them.
How to Meet the Swimming Bahamas Pigs
Exuma day trips make it easy to meet the Swimming Pigs.
Though Big Major Cay lies about 80 miles (128 kilometers) from Nassau, well-organized day trips make it surprisingly easy to meet the famous pigs in the ocean. These excursions transport travelers to Exuma in the early morning, provide several hours for visiting Big Major Cay and touring local attractions, and return to the capital later in the afternoon.
These guided tours take care of all the logistics, including transportation, timing, and even lunch. All you need to do is show up on time in the morning, ready to sightsee and enjoy the ride.
As you begin researching tours to Pigs Beach Bahamas, you’ll notice there are two main ways to experience Pig Beach, each offering a different kind of adventure.
Day Trips by Boat
Historically, boat tours have been the most common way to see the pigs in the ocean. These Nassau to Pig Beach excursions let you cruise across the turquoise waters of the Exuma Cays, offering scenic views along the way. However, they come with some caveats worth considering.
Comfort is a big factor. While the views can be stunning, the journey is fully exposed to the elements. You’ll likely deal with heat, salt spray, and choppy waves. If you’re prone to seasickness or just want a smoother ride, you may want to look into other travel options.
Another big factor is the travel time. On a calm day, it takes about two hours to reach Big Major Cay by boat. If the weather isn’t cooperating, the trip can take longer or be canceled entirely. For cruise ship travelers or those on tight schedules, this makes boat tours a bit of a gamble. Either way, it also limits the number of attractions you have to explore upon arrival.
These drawbacks have led many visitors to consider a faster, more reliable alternative: flying.
Day Trips by Plane
Booking a plane tour is the quickest and most comfortable way to visit the pigs in the ocean from Nassau. These day trips start with a short 30-minute flight to Staniel Cay, a nearby island with a small airport. From there, you’ll hop on a boat for a brief ride to Big Major Cay.
The short flight means you spend less time in transit and more time enjoying your destination. You also still get to cruise around the Exuma Cays by boat, just without the lengthy open-water voyage.
In terms of overall comfort, the difference between boating and flying to Exuma is huge. When you travel with Bahamas Air Tours, you fly in a small, private-class aircraft with cushioned seats and panoramic windows. The views from above are breathtaking, offering a bird’s-eye view of one of the most beautiful island chains in the world.
If you’re looking for the most convenient, scenic, and comfortable way to meet the famous pigs in the ocean, flying is hard to beat.
Other Exuma Attractions
The Swimming Pigs aren’t the only stars of Exuma day trips.
While seeing the pigs in the ocean is certainly the highlight of the day, any excursion to Exuma from Nassau comes with other incredible stops. Flying with Bahamas Air Tours, specifically, lets you tour local highlights that showcase the region’s diverse natural beauty.
Known as the Gateway to Exuma, Staniel Cay is the first destination you’ll visit. In addition to its small airport, the island offers a charming marina, colorful cottages, and a restaurant where you’ll stop for lunch. It’s a great place to relax and take in life in the Out Islands, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of Nassau.
Thunderball Grotto is another attraction you’ll visit. Located near Staniel Cay, the site features a stunning marine cave featured in the James Bond film Thunderball. At low tide, you can snorkel into the grotto to admire schools of fish darting between coral-covered walls. If you’re lucky, you might also see other marine animals, like sea turtles.
Compass Cay is another top-rated stop, famous for its nurse sharks. Visitors can wade into the shallow marina waters and swim alongside these gentle creatures, making for an unforgettable encounter for adventurous travelers.
The pigs that swim in the ocean might be the reason for the excursion, but each of the other stops you visit turns the day trip into a full tropical adventure.
Pigs in the Ocean: Book a Swimming Pigs Tour to Exuma
The Swimming Pigs in the Ocean are every bit as quirky as you’d imagine. Residing on the uninhabited tropical island of Big Major Cay, they’ve become one of the most iconic tourist attractions in recent years. If you’re traveling to The Bahamas, make sure to give yourself enough time to see them.
Fortunately, a 30-minute plane ride is all it takes to travel to Exuma and meet the Swimming Bahamas Pigs, while stopping at several other incredible destinations along the way.
Book a tour to meet the pigs that swim in the ocean today!
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