A swimming with pigs tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed. Think of it like a mini-vacation that includes the local beaches, snorkeling, and swimming with these unique animals.
The swimming pigs are very friendly and welcoming, they will often swim right up to your boat or dinghy if you have food to give them. You can even feed them directly from your hand. They are extremely endearing and simply wiggle their tails and grunt at you when they want food.
If you’re looking to make an unforgettable Caribbean experience, add an excursion in the Bahamas with swimming pigs to your next family vacation. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure for all ages is a trip your family will never forget.
It’s unclear how the pigs ended up on Pig Beach, but they’re certainly a quirky and memorable addition. Some speculate that seafarers may have stranded the pigs on the island; others think they swam there. They are, however, undeniably charming — the entire beach is dotted with little piglets waiting for their mama to return from the sea, and locals enjoy passing by to see what kind of adventures (and mischief) the pigs have gotten into.
Discover the best swimming pigs in the Bahamas with our easy-to-use guide. Whether you’re looking for a romantic vacation or just plan to explore the island, we’ve got all the information you need to book your holiday today.
Where To Go Swimming With Pigs In The Bahamas – Full Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a true getaway, head to the Bahamas and swim with pigs! Pigs are just one of the many animals that call Exuma home — here, you’ll experience otherworldly beaches, various shores, lush forests and clear waters.
In addition to swimming with pigs in the Bahamas, visitors can also take in the beauty of Exuma’s other creatures–including sea turtles, iguanas, sharks, dolphins and more.
1. Abaco
The Bahamas’ Abaco Islands, home of the world-famous swimming pigs of No Name Cay. When you’re looking for that perfect beach vacation, you can’t beat the beaches and warm waters offered by this Bahamian island group.
No Name Cay is the Bahamas’ Hidden Gem. Southeast of Green Turtle Cay, this pristine island is home to the famous pigs of Abaco, who roam free and clear of human contact. Unlike their relatives on Big Major Cay, the No Name Piglets are left to their own devices — eating, sleeping, and snorting in peace as they please. Its 7 miles small island with warm shallow waters, so you can experience of swimming with wild pigs!
The pigs have almost become a symbol of Abaco, especially with tourists. They are kept on No Name Cay, an uninhabited island in Abaco located directly across the water from Gillam Bay. The pigs live happily there and can be seen roaming the island freely during daylight hours. If you’re looking to visit them, you can only reach the island by boat.
How to Reach Abaco
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The Abaco Island chain can be reached by way of Treasure Cay International Airport. After a short taxi ride from the airport to the Treasure Cay Ferry Dock, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride across the Sea of Abaco in a water taxi. This boat will take you to North Eleuthera Airport where you can catch your final flight to Great Harbour on Elbow Cay, where we are located.
Abaco is a Bahamian island that can be reached from Freeport via a car ferry, but the trip can be both time-consuming and expensive.
The Green Turtle Club is an exclusive resort that is home to a new breed of hotelier — people who have left the world of business to pursue an age-old dream, making the place they live their home. Here’s the difference: At a typical resort, you are a guest. You come for a visit, stay for vacation, and leave for home. The Green Turtle Club is different.
But don’t worry — you can still hop on over to No Name Cay and visit your pig pals. Just be sure to pack a kayak, because there are no airports or docks on the cay itself. Visitors can reach No Name Cay by chartered boat, which affords them the opportunity to spend a few days at Bahamas’ most remote outpost.
Where to Stay in Abaco
You have several lodging options on the nearby cays of Green Turtle and Little Harbour, just a short boat ride away from Pig Beach.
The Pink Bikini Island Cottage Green Turtle Cay is a charming vacation rental for large families or travel parties that sleeps ten. This house is one of the most contemporary holiday rentals in Green Turtle Cay. With a private pool, gorgeous view and plenty of space, this cottage has a little something for everyone.
Bluff House Beach Resort is the perfect place for families to enjoy the best. With comfortable and spacious units, you’ll have everything you need to make lots of happy memories during your vacation.
Cocobay Cottages have a range of room sizes, but the smallest cottage at Cocobay will still offer you a beautiful view of the ocean in an authentic Abaco atmosphere.
With a number of new hotels and condo options on Abaco (for example, three new resorts on Treasure Cay), you can spend more time exploring and relaxing. The island has a peaceful, laid-back vibe that draws visitors from across the world — and it’s easy to see why: beautiful beaches, warm weather, great food, and lots of water sports are just a few reasons why Abaco is everyone’s favourite Bahamas destination.
The Bahama Beach Club is the luxurious destination of your dreams, with over a thousand acres of tranquil terrain and a wide variety of complex amenities. Stunning ocean views are paired with manicured landscaping, providing an upscale atmosphere for you and your friends to enjoy. With different types of condo units to choose from, you can be sure to pick the best option for you and your family.
Treasure Cay Beach Marina and Golf Resort is perfect for seafarers of all ages. Their marina boasts 160+ slips with 32 ft. maximum length, which can accommodate boats of all types — from yachts to cruisers to ski boats. And their on-site boat dealership has everything you need for your next journey: marine supplies and accessories, fishing equipment and bait, water sports items, and more!
Located on Marsh Harbor’s Restaurant Row, the Conch Inn and Marina offers access to the best yacht and boat rentals. Choose from a variety of boats that run from 12 to 70 feet and are perfect for finding that special secluded island.
How to Get to the Swimming Pigs
Though No Name Key is uninhabited and has no resort, there are plenty of other Abaco islands you can stay at and from where you can catch a boat to the pigs.
Paradise is calling and it’s located on Guana Cay. As if a day of snorkeling, sunbathing, and sailing weren’t enough, this all-day tour includes multiple stops for shopping, drinks, and lunch — ending with an incredible Sunday evening pig roast on the beach.
Sunset Marine and Boat Rentals offers a fleet of rental boats for experienced seamen to explore No Name Cay. If you prefer to travel without your own boat, we also have a large collection of ‘tour boats’ available. These are boats with significant amenities, benefits, and safety equipment already installed — ensuring a great vacation experience right from the start.
The world of Abaco Charters is composed of a variety of activities that let you experience the vast beauty of The Abacos. Whether it’s a full-day charter to catch marlin and sail the seas, snorkeling in the clear waters of the cays, or island-hopping through untouched shoals, Abaco Charters has an adventure for everyone — even beginners.
Asking a local for recommendations is an excellent way to find new and exciting activities — especially when exploring a new area by boat. Don’t shy away from asking locals for recommendations or advice — they can offer the best information on how to enjoy a day out on the water, whether you’re looking for a charter, boat rental, or full-day adventure.
2. Big Major Cay
Big Major Cay, with its famous Pig Beach, is home to hundreds of swimming pigs. The island attracts tourists from around the world and has been the site of multiple music festivals and beach parties celebrating the uniqueness and allure of the Bahamas.
Big Major Cay is the perfect escape from your routine. With hotels and resorts just a boat trip away, you can get to the cay quickly and explore the island’s potential: a private beach, white sand shores, and 20-odd pigs to keep you company. Hang out in your hammock with a drink in hand — these are the moments that you live for!
However, since the Big Major Cay island is uninhabited, some people may find it difficult to get there. Those who wish to visit are advised to book a boat charter in advance so that they don’t run into any surprises — cost or otherwise.
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How to Reach Big Major Cay
If you can’t fly directly into Big Major Cay, you may hire a boat (or a seaplane!) to take you there.
Staying in Fowl Cay Resort is a great way to immerse yourself in the Bahamas. There are many places to visit, but if you want to try something new, take a trip out to Pig Beach! Pig Beach is an uninhabited island just over one mile away from Fowl Cay that tourists visit on kayaks or canoes.
Adorable creatures. They’ll tow you around. They want food. And they will make your kayak tip over. So please don’t get near the shoreline with your kayak or canoe when Pig Beach is afoot. Stick with the tour operators for a safe, isolated experience!
Where to Stay in Big Major Cay
Big Major Cay is an uninhabited island, meaning you’ll need to stay at a nearby island to access the beach.
Fowl Cay Resort provides the ultimate island getaway for vacationers seeking a relaxing and enriching experience. Offering an assortment of food and drinks, golf carts, kayaks, and fishing equipment for rent, vacationers can take advantage of everything Fowl Cay Resort has to offer.
Staniel Cay Yacht club offers incredible luxury and a delightful stay, complete with catamaran rentals, bungalow rentals, villa rentals and floating lodging. Staniel Cay has comfort amenities for guests as well as attractive packages for extended vacations.
Boasting a handful of colorful characters, Pig Island makes for a great day trip with family, friends, or a date. At the Fowl Cay resort and yacht club, travelers can enjoy the facilities and services — including a restaurant, bar, pool, and snorkeling — but it’s the only access point to island. As Pig Island is uninhabited, visitors may spot pigs roaming free on the beach.
How to Get to the Swimming Pigs
For the best Big Major Cay experience, you’ll need to check out the islands of Exuma and have a boat prepared to take you to the swimming pigs.
- A flight from Nassau with seven other stops before arriving at Pig Beach.
- This chartered powerboat tour offers stops at numerous locations in Nassau and is perfect for a partner or family.
- A fantastic way to spend an afternoon or sunset is a boat tour. You can pick up the tour at the Staniel Cay Airport.
- Exploring the sea with a local fisherman in their boat.
The best thing about going with a local angler is that you can get private boat time and negotiate the price. You’ll also be able to spend as much time on Pig Island as the captain allows.
If you’re planning a trip to Exuma, make sure you’re safe. Locals always know the best spots to vacation. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Freeport
If you’re looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of larger cities, Grand Bahama Island might just be the place for you. A notably relaxed atmosphere pervades, as you’ll find a lot to do, including a pig-swimming adventure that lets you experience the joys of aquatic life without getting wet.
Freeport is a picturesque vacation destination with an array of activities and entertainment, including several dozen cozy bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and scenic golf courses. The city’s nature centers provide fun educational experiences for students and families, while the local art center hosts free events for the public throughout the year. Yet the most popular attractions are the beachfront views and magnificent sunsets.
Whether you’re a family with kids looking for a new adventure, or a couple spending their honeymoon in paradise, Freeport is the ideal place to take your time and do things your way!
How to Reach Freeport
The Freeport area has convenient air and cruise access, making it the perfect spot for a retreat. It’s a common stop on many cruise lines and is easily accessible by plane via the Grand Bahama Airport.
Crystal Beach is a 25-minute taxi ride from Freeport — you’ll love this relaxing beach just minutes from the cruise port!
The island is only 100 miles away from West Palm Beach, making it easily accessible by boat or plane. There are a ton of daily flights and ferries that can get you there and back in just a few hours. he island is largely dependent on tourism, so local government officials are keen to make sure that vacationers will have a positive experience. You can enter the country via boat or plane. All in all, it’s a great place for a weekend getaway!
A quick Caribbean getaway from Florida with the kids for a weekend? Book a seat on a sea shuttle! It’s an excellent way to experience island life on a tight schedule, and you’ll be treated to beautiful views of the Biscayne Bay.
Where to Stay in Freeport
Here are the best places to stay if you’re visiting Grand Bahama and want to visit the swimming pigs.
If you want to stay in the old West End part of Grand Bahama, look no further than Old Bahama Bay. This hotel is the perfect retreat for families and couples alike — whether you want to relax on the beach or in your room, you’ll have an unforgettable time!
Blue Marlin Cove Resort and Marina provides a quiet getaway for you and your friends. Relax in a luxury suite or cozy condo, or take advantage of the great amenities this resort has to offer — including two swimming pools, two hot tubs and a fitness center. Plus, if you’re arriving on a boat, you’ll love the yacht slips available at this property.
Tyne Beach Terrace is a cozy beach villa community, far away from Freeport, with a large pool and beautiful nature views. The resort has the only swimming-with-pigs program in all of Grand Bahama.
Ocean Reef Resort and Yacht Club offers luxury resort amenities to its guests. Enjoy a private beach, fitness center, dining options, and more — all within walking distance of your luxuriously appointed suite.
Every Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach room has a balcony or terrace with beach views — no matter what your budget is. The resort’s interior design is inspired by the Caribbean and complemented by modern features that make every guest feel welcome and cared for.
4. Rose Island
What’s better than a tourist hotspot with all of the amenities, a warm, inviting beach, and plenty of room to explore? An island that’s home to just a few people. Located just east of Paradise Island, Rose Island is sparsely populated yet bursting with natural beauty—a Caribbean oasis with warm water, teeming wildlife, and swimming pigs.
Unlike the pigs found on Abaco and Big Major Cay, the Rose Island Pigs are in the care of Sandy Toes. This company is based out of Paradise Island, so it’s easy to keep an eye on the sweet swine.
The Rose Island pigs are an important part of the island — they’re fed and watered daily, and they even have names. Visitors will get to hang out with them during Sandy Toes’ all-day excursions where families can spend time island-hopping, kayaking, swimming, and touring historic landmarks.
How to Reach Rose Island
When it comes to lodging, you may want to look away — there are no accommodations on Rose Island. Most adventurers seeking a pig-snatching jaunt stay in Nassau or Paradise Island.
Rose Island, the island remains a popular day trip for cruise ship passengers who can access it by boat from Nassau or Paradise Island. Visitors typically charter a boat from one of the many purveyors available – including private individuals who rent boats online and offer personalized tours.
You can get to Paradise Island like a boss. Planes, cars, and ferries all deliver you to its shores. Any method of transportation to Nassau is sure to bring you closer and closer to paradise.
Where to Stay in Rose Island
Rose Island may not be the most popular tourist destination, but it’s a veritable paradise for nature lovers. This less-visited part of the Caribbean is home to a wide variety of animal and plant life that are protected by strict conservation laws. And since Rose Island is a boat-only destination, you can be sure that you’ll experience peace and quiet — no buzzing TVs or radios around here!
Whether you’re planning an exclusive holiday with a small group, or looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, Sandy Toes Eco Lodge has the best rates and a selection of villas that will make you feel like you’re staying in a secluded, romantic hideaway. Each villa at Sandy Toes Escapes opens up onto your very own private deck, complete with a private hammock and a long stretch for tanning.
Footprints Beach Bar and Grill’s cottages are a great place to relax and unwind. Each cottage is set back from the beach with its own personal sitting area — great for reading, playing games with family, or enjoying the view. Cottage rentals include a meal package that serves up local seafood, steak, and other favorites — delivered directly to each cottage.
Paradise Island Beach Club offers a standalone cabana bar, beachside restaurant, and 20-cabana accommodations. Each cabana comes with a personal television and refrigerator — there’s even daily maid service. In addition to these beautiful amenities, Paradise Island Beach Club also has an expansive pool area.
Breezes Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a sunny family vacation.
Sandyport Beach Resort is a tropical getaway, located on Rose Island minutes off the coast of Tortola and only accessible by boat. Guests have easy access to the resort’s sparkling pool, sandy beach, gorgeous views, and scrumptious meals.
The Nassau/Paradise Island/Rose Island cluster is the ideal destination for families looking to enjoy an unforgettable Bahamian vacation. Water activities abound, and the beauty of our tropical paradise is sure to amaze anyone who visits.
How to Get to the Swimming Pigs
Since Sandy Toes is the only tour service that visits Rose Island, you’ll want to make sure you sign up for an excursion to visit. The trip to the island lasts a little less than an hour each way, and the boat ride is especially beautiful in the morning.
There are so many fun activities to do at Rose Island. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters to kayaking around the tropical isle, there’s something for everyone! Sunbathe in a hammock, grab a beachside drink, and go for a swim at Sandy Toes Beach Bar. It’s all about living your island life!
You’ll never want to leave. The pigs are an unforgettable experience, but the entire beach is amazing. For example, the island has a cool cave, which is fun for kids and adults alike. In addition, Sandy Toes offers plenty of golfing/shooting activities for kids and grown-ups of all ages.
Helpful Tips for Visiting The Swimming Pigs
Traveling can be a stressful experience, but there are some simple steps you can take to make it more enjoyable. From knowing how to dress to appropriately packing your carry-on, traveling can be an enjoyable experience with the right preparation. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings at all times and avoid bringing large amounts of cash; when possible, leave valuables in a secure location.
Book Travel Arrangements in Advance
If you’re on a cruise ship, you won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience: swimming with the pigs! Book early so that you don’t miss out on this fun-filled excursion.
We don’t need to tell you how awesome your dream trip is — you’ve been planning it since forever. Want to make sure you can say a proper goodbye? First and foremost, chat with your hotel concierge. They’re the perfect experts to guide you through the destination, even help you book the right service provider.
Book Hotels And Resorts First
Before booking a visit to a swimming pig beach, make sure you have everything set up. You’ll have to arrange for lodging first, which may not be refundable if you decide not to go for whatever reason.
Pick a place to stay and book it right before you book your pig tours. If you’ve ever been to Bahamas, you’ll know that a guaranteed place to lay your head is an absolutely must-have if you’re travelling anywhere!
Bring Camera
Dress up: #Selfies with Pigs is a trend that is a must see event. Its one of those things you never knew you wanted to do but when you do, you’re going to want to be dressed the part.
Bring sunblock: These pigs live outside and they’re always baking in the sun. You don’t want your skin coming out of this looking like a tomato.
Bring a waterproof phone case : We wouldn’t want you to ruin your camera.
Bring a selfie stick : With all those sweet shots, you’ll get plenty of likes!
Make sure to read all the safety instructions and make sure that you are prepared for any adventure. The last thing you want is to be unprepared for a situation or have injuries that take away from your time in Bahamas.