Swimming with the Pigs in the Bahamas

Swimming with the pigs has become one of the must-do excursions in the Bahamas. Every day, the island becomes more and more accessible to tourists and the area around Pig Island is full of other attractions, as well. The Exuma Cays — where you can go swimming with the pigs — is an oasis of 365 remote islands in the southern half of the Bahamas. There are so many untouched beauties to explore in the Exumas including swimming pigs Bahamas island, Big Major Cay.

Here is some more information for your visit to Pig Beach.

What are the Bahamas Swimming Pigs?

These Bahamas pigs have been on Big Major Cay in the Exuma Cays for over a few decades. Nowadays, they are the biggest stars of the Bahamas. They are visited annually over 6.6 million times and pose for millions of photos. There are many imitation islands featuring swimming with the pigs excursions, but Big Major Cay (now known as Pig Island) is the original island with pigs. It is just north of Staniel Cay, a much larger island with an airplane landing strip for Florida and Northern Bahamas travelers.

Swimming with the Pigs Exuma at Pig Beach which is close to Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas Islands.

One of the famous Swimming Pigs, swimming off pig beach in the warm Bahamas waters

Why is the Island with Pigs Famous?

Through countless Instagram/ Facebook shares, swimming with the pigs has become internationally famous. They were brought there by farmers decades ago to rid Staniel Cay Village of the stench.

Soon after, pigs began swimming from the shore to be fed by arriving farmers daily. Thus, Pig Island was born and a tourist attraction was created. Now, there are multiple tours to the island daily arriving by different modes of transport.

Information about Bahamas Pigs

It is estimated there are 20-25 pigs at Pig Beach ranging in size from tiny piglets to Big Momma (the largest and oldest of the island).

Bahamas Pigs at Pig Beach on Pig Island. A list of the Swimming Pigs that live on Big Major cay are displayed with each pigs name in the small hut that the Pigs Live in on Pig Beach.

Photos and names of each of the Swimming Pigs adorns the small hut on Pig Beach that the Exuma Pigs live in

Etiquette while Swimming with the Pigs

While on Pig Island, recognize the few rules to abide by while swimming with the pigs:

  1. Feed the pigs only approved foods which are mostly bread, fruit, and vegetables. Your tour guide will provide you with information about other foods acceptable for feeding.
  2. Don’t feed the pigs on the beach. Keep their survival instincts in-tact by feeding them in the water.
  3. Be cautious. Don’t feed directly from your hand. Gently toss the food in the water beside the pig. Pigs are not very coordinated creatures.
  4. Do not alarm the pigs. Don’t take advantage of them. Do not harm them. These Exuma pigs are still wild animals and can be dangerous if threatened.
Swimming Pigs Bahamas famous Exuma Pigs which live on Pig Beach at Pig Island next to Staniel Cay in the Exumas. Take a day trip to go Swimming with the Pigs

The Famous Bahamas Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach in the Exuma Islands of the Bahamas

Swimming with the Pigs in the Bahamas

The Exuma pigs are now an integral part to Bahamas tourism. Make sure you respect the pigs and the island and its culture. Visit the many Exuma Attractions and locations surrounding the island on a day tour by plane or ferry and witness one of the most magical landscapes in the world; the Exuma Cays.

Discover the Exuma Islands with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism.