One of the top things to do in Bahamas today is to go to the Exuma Cays to swim with pigs Nassau can’t bring to you. It has become even easier over the past five years to travel from Nassau to Pig Beach where you can go swimming with pigs in paradisiacal turquoise waters and play with the piglets on the white sand beach of Big Major Cay.
The Exuma Cays (home of the Bahamas swimming pigs) are infamous for being the most gorgeous region of the Bahamas. The collection of 365 islands, cays, and islets make up more than half of the Bahamian islands mostly concentrated in the southern half of the country.
On a swim with pigs Nassau day trip with Bahamas Air Tours, we will fly through the heart of the Exumas so you are looking down on some of the most beautiful views on Earth. Don’t just take our word for it — even astronauts have said on numerous occasions that the Exumas are the most stunning region on the entire planet from their view in space.
Read on to learn more about Pig Island before you take your family on swimming pigs tours with pigs in the Bahamas.
Gorgeous aerial shot of Exuma Cays.
Top Things to Know Before you Swim with Pigs Nassau
The Exuma pigs of Pig Beach on Pig Island (Big Major Cay) own a fascinating story and a lovable presence. Here are more details so you have all the information to make your swimming pigs Nassau trip better than imaginable.
What are the Bahamas swimming pigs?
The Bahamas swimming pigs are the most popular attraction in the Bahamas. Ever seen an Instagram photo of a bright pink pig treading turquoise blue Caribbean waters? Chances are you had no idea they were in the Bahamas. Pigs in the Bahamas doesn’t seem feasible, but it is at Pig Island. Tourists arrive by the boatloads to catch photos of these stars of the Bahamas.
Where can I go swimming with pigs?
The swimming pigs are found on Big Major Cay, which eventually ended up being called Pig Island. Most of the pigs hang out around Pig Beach which is a ten-minute boat ride from Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
History of the Exuma pigs
The swimming pigs’ history is, perhaps, the most fascinating part. There are a few different stories which have been passed down from generations which explain the pigs presence on the island.
The most well-received and accepted explanation is that farmers from Staniel Cay received complaints from town about the odor the pigs produced. This led to the farmers transporting the pigs to Big Major Cay about ten minutes away from the island.
Every day, the farmers would make the short boat ride to feed their pigs displaced on Big Major Cay. As such, the pigs began to pick up on the pattern; once they saw the boat, that meant food was coming.
One day, some of the Exuma pigs decided to be the first fed by swimming out to the boat. To the farmer’s surprise, he had just struck tourist gold. Now, the pigs swim to the tourist boats to receive their feed.
Another story involves a crew of sailors who were halted by a big storm. After the waters calmed down, they had to wait until the tide rose. They let their pigs (livestock) roam free but another storm quickly snuck up on them and they were forced to leave the pigs on the island to fend for themselves.
You can decide which story you want to believe as no one knows the total truth but everyone loves to guess as they swim with pigs Nassau.
How to get from Nassau to Pig Beach
There are several options when traveling from Nassau to Pig Beach. You can ride the ferry, a speed boat, or, our favorite option — you can fly in a private air charter to swim with pigs Nassau.
You will fly to Staniel Cay’s airstrip where you will be transported to a taxi boat to take you to the tinier Big Major Cay. From here, the pigs will probably swim out to your boat before you can even beach it.
Swim with pigs Nassau at Big Major Cay.
Day Trips from Nassau to Exuma
Aboard the private Bahamas air charter to the Exuma Cays, you will have an experience like none other. Day trips from Nassau to Exuma have never been more fun than through the air.
Swimming Pigs Nassau to Exuma day trips usually start at dawn or shortly after. To maximize on your time, the plane leaves as early as you want (within reason). The flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay takes approximately 30 minutes. From there, you are in control of the itinerary.
Most people choose to continue on by way of water taxi to the famous Pig Beach before the afternoon ferry crowds arrive. Then, you have the whole day wide open to you to fly all around the Exumas.
What to expect when I swim with pigs Nassau
There are certain expectations you must abide by when going to Pig Island to meet the swim with pigs Nassau. We will detail those now.
First, you must never intentionally harm the pigs. This seems obvious but it must be said.
There are also certain foods you must feed them. Usually, breads, fruits, and vegetables are a safe bet. Don’t feed them from your hand. Make sure to toss the food near them (not at them) in the water.
Don’t feed the pigs on the beach. In order to maintain their natural instincts for survival, make them come to you in the boats to retrieve their food. This will also keep the beach clean and enjoyable for everyone.
There are a few more rules, but these are the most important ones to keep in mind when you swim with pigs Nassau.
Exuma pigs swim through crystal clear water at Pig Island.
What is nearby Pig Island?
Pig Island is a perfect place to visit in the Exumas because it is centered around many more Bahamas attractions. While you swim with pigs Nassau, there is plenty more to check out. Here is a quick list of nearby places to visit in the Bahamas on your Nassau to Staniel Cay Day Tour:
- Compass Cay — swimming with reef sharks at this oasis is a perfect trip stacker.
- Bitter Guana Cay — this cay is home to an endangered species of Bahamian rock iguanas.
- Thunderball Grotto — famous location of several Hollywood thrillers including the James Bond 007 blockbuster, “Thunderball”.
- Plane Wreck — thought to have been on a drug run to Norman’s Cay where Carlos Ledher ran his Colombian cartel as a halfway point between America. The plane crashed before landing and is now very accessible ten feet underwater.
- Sandbars at Pipe Cay — there are dozens of sandbars but the one at Pipe Cay may be the most beautiful. You have to reach the sandbars at low tide in order to see them.
That list will get you started on your adventures, although, there are many more to be had given if you can fit them into your itinerary. There are tons of things to do other than swim with pigs Nassau.
Swim with reef sharks at Compass Cay and Staniel Cay.
Take a One Day Cruise to Bahamas to Swim with Pigs Nassau
Book one of our Bahamas day trips by plane either coming from Nassau or from Miami to Bahamas day trip. Bahamas Air Tours does Staniel Cay day trips better than anyone and gives you ample time to make the most of your day trip to Bahamas while you swim with pigs Nassau.
Take our tours to Pig Beach to go swimming with pigs Bahamas or take a trip to Bahamas to witness the majestic Exumas as they were meant to be seen; from the clouds!
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