When people think of the Bahamas, images of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters often come to mind. But in the Exumas, something even more unique awaits — pigs on the beach.
While most travelers know about the world-famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, fewer are aware of another group of charming pigs located in Great Exuma. These pigs live close to Barraterre at the northern end of Exuma, and offer a quieter, more accessible experience.
The Exumas are a chain of 365 islands in the central Bahamas. Great Exuma is the largest of them and home to the island’s capital, Georgetown. While the famous pigs near Staniel Cay require a full-day boat tour or flight trip, the great exuma pigs can be visited in just a few hours with our Half Day Great Exuma Pigs Tour, making them a fantastic option for families or travelers short on time.
Let’s explore where to find these pigs, how to visit them, and why they offer a memorable alternative to the more well-known swimming pigs of the north.
Where are the Pigs in Great Exuma?
The great exuma pigs live on a small beachy cay close to the settlement of Barraterre, located at the northern tip of Great Exuma island. This cay is accessible only by boat, but it’s just a short ride from the Barraterre dock. The pigs are often seen wandering the shoreline or relaxing in the sun, happy to greet visitors arriving by tour. See our map here.
Great Exuma Pigs live on a small island at Exuma Point close to Barraterre dock
Unlike their more famous cousins at Pig Beach, these pigs are not known for swimming. Instead, they trot along the sand and occasionally wade into the shallow water to cool off.
While they may not swim out to boats like the Staniel Cay pigs, they are still friendly, social, and always on the lookout for treats.
The setting is idyllic. Surrounded by calm turquoise water and pristine cays, the beach where the great exuma pigs live feels like a slice of paradise.
This spot is quieter and less crowded than Big Major Cay, which means more one-on-one time with the animals and better photo opportunities without other tour groups in the background.
Great Exuma Pigs located off Exuma Point on Great Exuma
Where Is Barraterre?
Barraterre is a peaceful settlement on the far northern end of Great Exuma. It serves as the primary launching point for boat tours to visit the great exuma pigs. This fishing village is home to one of the island’s main docks and offers easy access to the nearby cays and beaches.
Getting to Barraterre from Georgetown takes about one hour by car. The drive is scenic and gives you a chance to see more of Great Exuma’s rural beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass quiet communities, turquoise ocean views, and lush vegetation. The roads are paved and easy to navigate, making the journey comfortable for all travelers. Contact us if you require organised transfers.
Barraterre itself is small but welcoming. Most tours to see the great exuma pigs begin here, with friendly local captains guiding visitors across the shallow waters to the pigs’ island. It’s a great jumping-off point not just for seeing the pigs, but for exploring other nearby attractions in the Exuma Cays.
If you’re staying in Georgetown or anywhere else on Great Exuma, this short road trip north is well worth your time.
Booking a tour with us, you have the option to include roundtrip transfers from any accommodation location on Great Exuma, including Little Exuma. Transfers are an additional fee.
How to Visit the Great Exuma Pigs
Visiting the great exuma pigs is easy when you book our half-day boat tour from Georgetown. One of the best options is the Great Exuma Excursion by Swimming with Pigs, which departs daily and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour typically starts with a scenic drive to Barraterre, where guests board a boat to the pigs’ island.
Great Exuma Pigs island close to Barraterre on Great Exuma
The entire experience lasts around four hours, making it ideal for travelers who want an adventure without spending an entire day away from their resort. On the boat ride, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the cays and shallow reefs, and maybe even spot some sea turtles or stingrays along the way.
Once you arrive at the beach, you’ll have time to interact with the pigs, feed them, take photos, and relax in the sun. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, offering insights into the history and care of the great exuma pigs. Many guests describe the experience as fun, peaceful, and unforgettable.
This tour is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. It provides a chance to connect with nature, meet the island’s cutest residents, and see the Exumas from a new perspective — all in half a day.
Iguanas at Leaf Cay: Another Highlight of the Tour
In addition to the great exuma pigs, the half-day boat tour from Georgetown includes a stop at Leaf Cay — home to endangered Northern Bahamian rock iguanas. These large, colorful reptiles are native to the Exumas and can only be found on a few remote islands. Leaf Cay is one of the best places to see them up close.
Leaf Cay is a popular island for visitors wanting to see the Bahamian Rock Iguanas
As your boat approaches the island, you’ll spot the iguanas sunbathing on the rocks or scurrying down to the beach to greet visitors. They’re surprisingly social and used to being around people. You can feed them small fruits like grapes, and they’ll happily pose for pictures.
The stop at Leaf Cay adds a wildlife conservation element to your trip. It’s a chance to learn about the Bahamian ecosystem and the efforts being made to protect these unique animals. Combined with the visit to the great exuma pigs, it creates a rich, multi-faceted experience that appeals to nature lovers and photographers alike.
The contrast between the playful pigs and the prehistoric-looking iguanas makes this tour one of the most diverse half-day adventures you can enjoy in the Bahamas.
Are the Great Exuma Pigs Like the Famous Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay?
While both groups of pigs live in the beautiful Exumas, there are some key differences between them. The great exuma pigs live near Barraterre and are often called “pigs on the beach” because they don’t usually swim. They may paddle in shallow water, but they aren’t known for swimming out to boats like the pigs at Big Major Cay.
Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay, are the original Swimming Pigs
The pigs at Big Major Cay, near Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays, are the original “swimming pigs” that made global headlines. These pigs are famous for swimming in the open sea to greet tour boats, and they’re visited by thousands of people each year. Visiting them requires a full-day tour, either by boat or plane.
If you want to see the original swimming pigs, you’ll need to book the full day Exuma Day Trip from Georgetown, which includes stops at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and Compass Cay. It’s a more extensive adventure and covers more ground.
But for travelers who want a shorter and more peaceful trip, the great exuma pigs offer a wonderful alternative. You’ll still get a memorable pig experience, with fewer crowds and easier logistics.
Book your Great Exuma Pigs Tour today
Whether you choose the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay or the quiet charm of the great exuma pigs, one thing is certain — your time in the Exumas will be unforgettable.
Each location offers its own unique appeal. The pigs near Barraterre are perfect for a relaxing half-day outing, while the northern pigs deliver a full-day adventure packed with excitement.
If you’re staying on Great Exuma, the half-day tour to the great exuma pigs is a convenient and family-friendly way to experience this Bahamian icon. It also includes other amazing sights like the iguanas at Leaf Cay. For those who want to go all out and visit the original swimming pigs, the full-day tour to Staniel Cay is the ultimate pig-lover’s experience.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll be treated to incredible wildlife, stunning seascapes, and lifelong memories. Book your tour now with Swimming with Pigs and see why the great exuma pigs and their cousins further north have become the most famous animals in the Bahamas.
