If there’s one experience that perfectly captures the magic of the Bahamas, it’s swimming with pigs Exuma in the Exuma Cays. These famous animals have become an international sensation, drawing visitors from all over the world who are eager to splash around with these quirky, friendly creatures.
The Exumas are a group of 365 islands and cays stretching across the central Bahamas. Two key areas stand out — Great Exuma in the south and the Exuma Cays to the north. Both are home to groups of swimming pigs, each offering a different but equally memorable experience.
From full-day adventures to remote cays, to half-day tours from Georgetown, there are options for every traveler.
Pig Beach at Big Major Cay island
In this blog, we’ll explore our two amazing tours to enjoy swimming with pigs Exuma: from Nassau to Pig Beach near Staniel Cay, and from Georgetown to the quieter Pig Island near Barraterre in Great Exuma.
Each section will help you decide which tour is right for your Bahamian adventure.
1. Swimming with Pigs from Nassau: Fly to the Exuma Cays for a Day of Adventure
If you’re based in Nassau and want to see the original swimming pigs, then a day trip to Pig Beach from Nassau is your best bet.
These tours, like the one offered by Swimming with Pigs, take you to Big Major Cay in the Exuma Cays — the most famous swimming pig destination in the world.
The original famous swimming pigs at Staniel Cay Exuma Bahamas.
The tour starts with a short scenic flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay. In just 30 minutes, you’re touching down in the heart of the Exumas. From there, you’ll hop on a boat and cruise through stunning turquoise waters to reach Pig Beach. Here, dozens of pigs roam the beach and paddle through the shallows to greet visitors. The pigs are used to people and love attention, making for unforgettable photos.
What makes this version of swimming with pigs Exuma so special is that it’s part of a full-day island-hopping adventure. In addition to the pigs, you’ll visit incredible sand bars that appear only at low tide. These shimmering patches of white sand feel like they’re floating in the ocean, creating a dreamlike setting. You’ll also stop at Thunderball Grotto — the underwater cave made famous by James Bond — and Compass Cay, where you can swim with friendly nurse sharks.
Sandbar in Exuma Cays at Pipe Creek
Flying from Nassau to the Exumas has major advantages over the boat tours. The boat journey takes around 2.5 hours each way and can be rough, especially if the sea is choppy. With a flight, you avoid the long haul and spend more time enjoying the islands instead of sitting on a boat. It’s smoother, faster, and gives you more time at each attraction.
For travelers short on time but eager to see it all, this is the most efficient way to experience swimming with pigs Exuma.
You’ll see iconic sights, interact with unique wildlife, and soak up the incredible natural beauty of the Exuma Cays in just one unforgettable day.
2. Pigs at Pig Beach in Great Exuma: A Hidden Gem Near Barraterre
If you’re staying in Great Exuma, you don’t need to fly north to experience the joy of swimming pigs. There’s a lesser-known group of pigs near Barraterre, just a short boat ride away from Georgetown. These pigs may not have the celebrity status of their cousins in the Exuma Cays, but they offer a quieter, more intimate experience that many visitors love.
This version of swimming with pigs Exuma is offered as a half-day excursion from Georgetown. The tour departs from Barraterre Dock and heads to a secluded cay where the pigs live freely on the beach. The trip is shorter, making it perfect for families or those who don’t want to commit to a full-day adventure.
Great Exuma Pigs Beach is located close to Barraterre Dock
What’s truly special about this tour is its peaceful vibe. Because it’s less well-known, you won’t be competing with dozens of other tour groups. You can take your time feeding the pigs, playing in the shallow waters, and enjoying the tropical scenery. The guides often share stories about how the pigs arrived and how they are cared for, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The beaches in this part of Exuma are breathtaking — just as beautiful as the northern cays. You’ll pass hidden coves, tiny islands, and sand banks that seem to drift with the tide. The water is warm and impossibly clear, and the skies are almost always bright blue.
This tour is also great for visitors who want to stay close to their resort or avoid flying. Barraterre Dock is just a short drive from most of the hotels on Great Exuma, and Barraterre Dock is easy to reach. That means you can enjoy swimming with pigs Exuma in the morning and be back at your hotel in time for lunch.
For a relaxing, crowd-free, and family-friendly way to swim with pigs, the Great Exuma tour is a fantastic choice. It may not have the same fame as Big Major Cay, but it offers the same charm, plus the bonus of local character and fewer tourists.
Book Your Exuma Swimming Pigs Tour Today
Whether you’re based in Nassau or staying on Great Exuma, there’s a perfect tour waiting for you. The experience of swimming with pigs Exuma is one of those rare travel moments that is both surreal and joyful. There’s something magical about sharing the water with these playful animals in such a stunning setting.
- Book a Full Day Tour from Nassau
- Book a Full Day Tour from Georgetown
- Book a Half Day Tour from Georgetown
From the celebrity pigs of Big Major Cay to the peaceful charm of Barraterre’s Pig Beach, each destination offers its own unique version of the adventure. The northern tours from Nassau let you explore the wider Exuma Cays, including sand bars, underwater caves, and sharks. The southern option from Georgetown gives you a quick, easy, and equally beautiful way to meet the pigs without the hassle of flying.
Both options let you experience the best of the Bahamas — turquoise water, white sand beaches, and the friendly pigs that make it all so unforgettable. Tours are available daily, but spots fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
Don’t miss your chance to create one-of-a-kind memories. Book your tour today with Swimming with Pigs, and discover why swimming with pigs Exuma is the number one bucket-list experience in the Bahamas.
