Swimming with Pigs in the Exumas: Your Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about visiting the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay in the Exumas, Bahamas—from how to get there to what to expect when you arrive.

By BeachLoco Editorial

The moment your boat rounds the corner of Big Major Cay, you'll understand why people travel from around the world for this surreal experience. There, in water so impossibly turquoise it looks photoshopped, a dozen spotted pigs paddle toward your boat like they've been expecting you. Their snouts bob above the surface, their little hooves churning the crystal-clear shallows, their enthusiasm for whatever snacks you might be carrying absolutely infectious. It's the most joyfully absurd scene in the Caribbean—and somehow, completely magical.

What Is Pig Beach?

Big Major Cay—affectionately known as "Pig Beach" or "Pig Island"—is an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays, a chain of 365 islands stretching across the central Bahamas. The island is home to a colony of feral pigs who have become world-famous for their unusual behavior: swimming out to greet arriving boats in search of food.

Nobody knows exactly how the pigs got here. Local legends include stories of sailors who dropped them off planning to return for a pork dinner (and never did), a shipwreck that deposited the original pigs on the island, or entrepreneurs in the 1990s who hoped to start a pig farm and abandoned the project. The mystery only adds to the allure.

What we do know is that the pigs thrive here. The island has natural freshwater springs, and boat captains and tourists have supplemented their diet for decades. The pigs learned that boats mean food, and they learned to swim out to meet them. Today, there are approximately 50-60 pigs on the island—including adorable piglets that will absolutely steal your heart.

Who Is This Guide For?

• Bucket-list travelers seeking one of the world's most unique wildlife encounters
• Instagram enthusiasts looking for that iconic shot with swimming pigs
• Families with kids wanting a once-in-a-lifetime animal experience
• Bahamas visitors looking for the perfect day trip from Nassau or Great Exuma
• National Family Island Regatta attendees seeking Exuma adventures beyond the races
• Anyone seeking surreal, joyful Caribbean experiences they'll never forget

How to Get to Pig Beach

From Great Exuma / George Town

This is the most common starting point for swimming pig tours. George Town is the main settlement on Great Exuma, with an international airport (GGT) receiving direct flights from Florida and Atlanta. Boat tours depart daily from the George Town harbor, taking 30-45 minutes to reach Big Major Cay. Most tours are full-day excursions that combine Pig Beach with other Exuma attractions.

From Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is the closest inhabited island to Pig Beach—just 10-15 minutes by boat. The tiny island has its own airstrip and is home to the famous Staniel Cay Yacht Club. If you're staying on Staniel Cay, you can easily visit the pigs multiple times, including early morning before the crowds arrive.

From Nassau

Full-day speedboat excursions depart from Nassau, covering the 89-mile journey in about 2 hours each way. These tours are longer and more expensive, but they're convenient if you're staying in Nassau and don't want to fly to Exuma. Most Nassau tours include multiple island stops and lunch.

Best Tour Options

Full-Day Island Hopping Tours

The most popular option from George Town or Nassau. These 6-8 hour tours typically include multiple stops: the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay nurse sharks, Allen's Cay iguanas, sandbars for snorkeling, and a beach lunch. Prices range from $200-400 per person depending on group size and departure point.

Private Charters

For ultimate flexibility, charter a private boat with captain. You'll set your own schedule, visit Pig Beach when crowds are lighter (early morning is best), and spend as much time as you want at each stop. Private charters run $800-2,000 for a full day depending on boat size and group.

What's Typically Included

• Round-trip boat transportation
• Snorkel gear
• Food for the pigs (appropriate snacks provided by the operator)
• Beach lunch and drinks
• Experienced captain/guide
• Multiple island stops (on full-day tours)

What to Expect When You Arrive

As your boat approaches Big Major Cay, you'll likely spot the pigs before you even anchor. The larger pigs—some weighing over 200 pounds—will be lounging on the beach or rooting around in the sand. But the moment they hear a boat engine, several will waddle into the water and start swimming toward you.

It's genuinely startling the first time you see it. Pigs swimming? Yes, they're excellent swimmers, paddling with surprising grace for such rotund creatures. They'll swim right up to your boat, treading water while looking at you expectantly with those intelligent little eyes.

Most visitors wade into the shallow water (chest-deep or less) to interact with the pigs at their level. The pigs are generally friendly and accustomed to tourists, but they can be assertive about food. Adult pigs especially may nudge you firmly if they think you have snacks. The piglets are more playful and photogenic—they'll swim circles around you and are irresistibly cute.

What Else to See on Your Exuma Day Trip

Most swimming pig tours combine Pig Beach with other Exuma Cays attractions. Here's what else you might see:

Thunderball Grotto

This underwater cave became famous when James Bond swam through it in the 1965 film "Thunderball" (and again in "Never Say Never Again"). At low tide, you can swim and snorkel inside the grotto, where sunlight streams through openings in the rock to illuminate the fish-filled interior. It's absolutely spectacular.

Compass Cay Nurse Sharks

At Compass Cay Marina, you can wade into the water with nurse sharks. These gentle sharks are docile and accustomed to humans—they'll swim around your legs while you feed them. It's less famous than the swimming pigs but equally unforgettable.

Allen's Cay Iguanas

Allen's Cay is home to endangered Bahamian rock iguanas—prehistoric-looking creatures that lumber along the beach. Unlike the pigs, the iguanas were here naturally. They're protected, and feeding them is technically prohibited, but they've learned that tourists sometimes mean grapes.

Sandbars & Snorkeling

The Exuma Cays are famous for their sandbars—patches of white sand in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by impossibly clear water. Your tour will likely stop at one for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.

Stocking Island & Chat 'N' Chill

If your tour departs from George Town, you might stop at Stocking Island's famous Chat 'N' Chill beach bar. It's a quintessential Bahamas experience: feet in the sand, cold Kalik in hand, volleyball game going, conch salad fresh from the sea.

Best Time to Visit the Swimming Pigs

The swimming pigs are a year-round attraction—they don't migrate or hibernate. However, some times are better than others:

• December–May: Best weather, lower humidity, peak tourist season. Book tours in advance.
• June–November: Warmer, more humid, occasional rain. Fewer crowds, lower prices.
• Early morning visits: Best time of day regardless of season. Hungrier pigs, smaller crowds.
• Late April (Regatta Week): Combine with the National Family Island Regatta for the ultimate Exuma experience.

Combining Swimming Pigs with National Family Island Regatta

If you're visiting Great Exuma during the National Family Island Regatta (April 21-25, 2026), the swimming pigs make a perfect complement to the racing festivities. Here's how to plan your combo trip:

• Book pig tours early: Regatta Week is peak season, and tours fill up fast. Reserve your spot months in advance.
• Schedule around races: Major races typically start mid-morning. Book a morning pig tour for dawn, or go the day before/after Regatta's peak days.
• Stay an extra day or two: Five nights minimum lets you experience both the regatta and the pigs without rushing.
• Consider private charter: During Regatta Week, group tours book up. A private charter gives you flexibility and guarantees availability.

Essential Packing List

Safety & Etiquette

The swimming pigs are a beloved attraction, and responsible tourism ensures they stay healthy and the experience remains magical for future visitors.

What NOT to Feed the Pigs

• Alcohol: Tragically, several pigs died in 2017 after tourists fed them alcohol. Never give pigs beer, rum punch, or any alcoholic beverages.
• Bread and junk food: Not nutritious and can make pigs sick.
• Human food in general: Stick to the approved vegetables and fruit your tour provides.

Respecting the Animals

• Don't chase, ride, or harass the pigs
• Keep interactions gentle and calm
• Let piglets approach you rather than grabbing them
• Don't make loud noises to startle them
• Give pigs space if they seem stressed or aggressive

General Safety

• Adult pigs can weigh 200+ pounds and may nudge firmly for food—keep balance and be aware
• Supervise children closely around larger pigs
• The pigs are wild animals—treat them with appropriate respect
• Watch your footing on the sandy beach and in shallow water

Editorial Moment: "There's something wonderfully absurd about swimming with pigs in the Caribbean. It's not a profound wildlife encounter—it's not whales or elephants or gorillas. It's pigs. In the water. Looking at you like you might have hot dogs. And somehow that absurdity makes it pure joy. The kids are laughing, the adults are laughing, even the pigs seem to be enjoying themselves. It's the opposite of serious travel, and that's exactly what makes it special."

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📍 Related Destinations

Explore more of the Bahamas and plan your Exuma adventure:

• → Great Exuma — Your base for swimming pigs tours, Regatta Week, and stunning beaches
• → Bahamas — Explore all 700 islands and cays of this Caribbean paradise
• → Nassau — The Bahamian capital and gateway to the Out Islands
• → National Family Island Regatta 2026 — Combine with the pigs for the ultimate Exuma trip
• → Best Beaches — Discover more Caribbean beach destinations