Where is Pig Island in the Bahamas? While many travelers wonder that, the answer is simple: in the Exuma Cays, south of Nassau.
But if you’re visiting Nassau or another part of the country, how can you see the pigs on the beach? What are your options, and what else can you see in the area?
Below we have the answers to those questions and more.
Read on to learn more!
Where Is Pig Island in the Bahamas? See Pigs on the Beach
Big Major Cay is near several other incredible attractions.
Islands with Pigs – Frequently Asked Questions:
Where Is Pig Island in the Bahamas? 80 miles (128 kilometers) southeast of Nassau in a district of the country called Exuma
What is the island’s official name? Big Major Cay
How can you swim with pigs Exuma? Sign up for Bahamas day trips from Nassau or Miami to visit Big Major Cay
What’s the best way to reach the pigs on the beach? By plane (much faster and more comfortable than a boat trip)
Where Is Pig Island in the Bahamas?
There’s only one authentic Pig Island in the Bahamas and its name is Big Major Cay.
Where is Pig Island in the Bahamas? It’s 80 miles (128 kilometers) southeast of the capital, Nassau.
Pig Beach is part of a chain of 365 islands called Exuma. Known for their beautiful beaches and azure water, the Exuma Cays are some of the prettiest destinations in the country.
Because of how famous Big Major Cay has become, it’s inspired imitation Pig Beaches throughout the country. While these tourist attractions are popular, they’re just copies of the original.
The original Pig Beach is the only one you’ll want to visit!
Pig Island is southeast of Nassau.
Pigs on the Beach: A History
Where is Pig Island in the Bahamas? In Exuma. But how did the pigs get there, and what’s their story?
Big Major Cay was an uninhabited island for many years. However, nearby locals eventually realized that a group of pigs inhabited the island and began feeding them.
Over the years, doing so led the pigs to associate boat arrivals with feeding time. This has led them to become the welcoming, water-loving creatures that they are today.
There are several tales that claim to explain how the Swimming Pigs arrived at Big Major Cay. These include:
- The pigs were shipwrecked nearby and swam to shore
- Farmers dropped the pigs off with the intention of eating them but never did
- Locals dropped the pigs off because they couldn’t take the accompanying smells any longer
- Big Major Cay is part of an elaborate and secret tourist trap
Traveling to Islands With Pigs
Flying makes it easy to reach Exuma.
Because the original islands with pigs aren’t in the capital, the easiest way to see them is by signing up for a Pig Island tour from Nassau.
On such a tour, you can travel from the capital to Big Major Cay and other nearby attractions, and then back home that same afternoon.
While you can find tour options that travel by boat or plane, you’ll want to go with air travel. Flying:
- Saves time, getting you there in 30 minutes instead of a couple of hours
- Prioritizes comfort, allowing you to travel in a private-class plane
- Offers amazing views from the sky
Swim With Pigs Exuma: The Experience
Where is Pig Island in the Bahamas? It’s in Exuma, but what can you expect upon arrival?
Before traveling to Big Major Cay, your plane will first land at nearby Staniel Cay, which has a regional airport. From there, you’ll switch to a boat and make your way to Pig Island.
As mentioned, when your boat approaches the island, the pigs will be eager to greet you. That’s the time to toss them some of the captain-approved pig foods.
From there, you’ll have time to walk around their island, meeting adult pigs and piglets alike, all while exploring their island home.
Where do you swim with pigs? Right off of their beach!
Attractions Near Swimming Pigs Island
When you sign up for a Pig Island tour from Nassau to answer the question of “Where is Pig Island in the Bahamas?” you don’t just get to meet the pigs. You also visit other nearby attractions.
These include:
- Staniel Cay, the island you fly into
- An underwater plane wreck near Staniel Cay
- Bitter Guana Cay, home to endangered iguanas and stunning landscapes
- Compass Cay, home to a school of nurse sharks you can swim with
- Thunderball Grotto, a system of underwater caves
- Pipe Creek, home to sandbars that appear at low tide
Pig Island Tour From Nassau: Sign up for Bahamas Day Trips
Where is Pig Island in the Bahamas? Despite what many people think, it’s not in Nassau – it’s south of the capital in the Exuma Cays.
Browse our map of Exuma islands.
Luckily, you can easily reach the pigs on the beach by signing up for a Pig Island tour from Nassau or Miami. Air travel makes it easy to get there, have an incredible time, and return home.
Reach out to us today to learn more about the swim with pigs Exuma experience!
