Pig Beach on Big Major Cay is exactly what you’d picture: white sand, impossibly blue water, and a dozen or so pigs splashing toward your boat before you’ve even dropped anchor. The Exuma Cays string together 365 islands and cays, and this one has become the most famous for a reason. This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip to see Exuma’s swimming pigs—how to get there, what to expect once you’re in the water, and how to do it respectfully.
Pig Beach sees roughly 300,000 visitors a year, making it the most-visited wildlife attraction in the Exumas.
If you’ve got kids, like I do with Michael, Lily, and Ethan, the shallow water and the pigs’ gentle curiosity make it a surprisingly easy stop. Lily was nervous at first, but within minutes she was holding out a piece of watermelon while a pig paddled over. The whole experience is manageable for most ages, but you do need to plan the logistics carefully—tours sell out, and the boat ride from Nassau is long. Here’s what you need to know.
Swimming with the pigs is a genuinely unique experience, but it’s a full-day commitment from Nassau and the pigs themselves are wild animals—respect their space and their feeding schedule. Go early, choose a tour that includes other Exuma highlights, and pack reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof camera.
Families with school-age kids
Photography lovers
First-time Bahamas visitors
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) | Families, wildlife encounters, photography | Pigs swim out to greet boats; shallow water makes interaction easy | 1–2 hours at the beach; full-day tour from Nassau | Arrive by 9 a.m. to beat the crowds and see the pigs most active |
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)
Big Major Cay sits in the central Exumas, roughly 80 miles southeast of Nassau. The pigs are believed to have been left there by sailors or possibly swam from a shipwreck, and they’ve become a celebrity attraction. The interaction is simple: your boat pulls up, the pigs paddle over, and you can feed them from the water. The water is shallow—typically waist-deep—so even non-swimmers can stand and participate.
Getting to Pig Beach
Most visitors reach Pig Beach via a full-day tour from Nassau. These tours often include a 30–45-minute flight to Staniel Cay followed by a short boat ride, or a longer speedboat ride from Nassau (research suggests the boat trip takes about 2 hours each way). If you’re staying in Great Exuma (George Town), half-day tours are available and cut the travel time significantly. Private charters give you flexibility but cost more.
Note: The water around the Exumas is dotted with reefs and sandbanks, so hiring a local captain is recommended even if you rent a boat. The underwater terrain around the Exumas is beautiful but tricky to navigate without local knowledge.
What to Expect Once You Arrive
The pigs are wild and associate boat engines with food, so they’ll swim right up. Tour operators provide approved food—chopped fruit and vegetables. You can feed them from your hand, but follow your guide’s instructions. The pigs are generally gentle, but they can get excited, so hold food flat and keep small children close. Ethan loved feeding them, but Lily was happier just watching from a few feet away. The pigs are most active in the morning; afternoon visits can be quieter and more crowded.
Most high-rated tours from Nassau also hit Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay (nurse sharks), and sandbars. Look for small-group tours that limit guest numbers—this reduces pressure on the pigs and gives you more time. Tourdaddy recommends checking recent reviews before booking.
Tours often depart at 7–8 a.m. from Nassau. If you’re flying from Nassau to Staniel Cay, the first flight is usually around 8 a.m. Plan to be at the airport or marina 30 minutes before. Bring a light breakfast—the first stop is often Pig Beach.
Step into the water slowly. Offer food from an open palm, not with fingers pinched. The pigs will take it gently. Don’t chase or grab them—this is both respectful and safer. The water is shallow, but be aware of the sandy bottom; it’s soft, so water shoes are helpful.
After 45–60 minutes, most tours move on to another nearby attraction. Use the boat’s freshwater rinse to wash off sand and sunscreen. Bring a change of clothes if you’re sensitive to dampness, especially for kids.
Nearby Attractions Worth Adding
Most tours bundle Pig Beach with other Exuma highlights. Thunderball Grotto is an underwater cave system featured in James Bond films, perfect for snorkeling. Compass Cay lets you swim with nurse sharks in a controlled environment—they’re harmless but still thrilling. Allen Cay (also called Iguana Island) is home to Bahamian rock iguanas that can be fed by hand. If you have time, the secluded sandbars near Gold Rock Beach offer a quieter alternative to the main tourist stops.
If you’re visiting from a cruise ship that docks at Cococay or Ocean Cay, direct trips to Pig Beach aren’t usually available. Instead, book a tour from Nassau before your cruise or on a port day when your ship is in Nassau.
Practical Tips for Your Pig Beach Visit
Getting to Pig Beach involves more planning than a typical beach day. Here’s what you need to sort out beforehand.
Choosing Between Tour Options
From Nassau, you can take a full-day tour (typically 8–10 hours) that includes a flight to Staniel Cay or a direct speedboat ride. The flight option cuts travel time but adds cost. From Great Exuma, half-day tours are shorter and cheaper. If you’re staying in the Exumas, a private charter gives you the most flexibility—start early, avoid crowds, and add extra stops. Pieces of 8 Tours is one operator that offers small-group options with snorkeling and island hopping.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen is non-negotiable—the pigs’ skin is sensitive, and the marine environment needs protection. A waterproof camera is essential; the water is clear, and you’ll want photos of the pigs swimming toward you. The DJI Osmo Action 6 Bundle shoots 8K video and is waterproof to 20 metres, making it ideal for both above- and below-water shots. Bring a dry bag for valuables, cash for tips (guides work hard), and a change of clothes. Water shoes help on the sandy bottom and on hot sand.
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Best Time to Visit
Peak season runs December through April, with the best weather but also the biggest crowds. The shoulder months of May and November offer fewer people and still-good weather. Early mornings (before 9 a.m.) are the best time of day for energetic pigs and smaller groups. If you can, avoid weekends and holidays.
Some tour operators allow guests to feed the pigs alcohol or human food—this is harmful to the animals. Choose a responsible operator that provides approved fruit and vegetables. Also, the pigs are wild; they can bite if they mistake a finger for food. Feed with an open palm and keep hands away from their mouths after the food is taken.
If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Exuma’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare properties against the beach or the airport.
Before You Go: Pig Beach Questions Answered
Are the pigs safe to swim with?
Yes, but they are wild animals. They’re used to humans and are generally gentle, but they can get excited around food. Keep small children close, and never grab or chase the pigs. Tour guides provide clear instructions—follow them.
Can I visit Pig Beach without a tour?
You can, but it’s not easy. You’d need to charter a private boat or rent one with a local captain. There are no public ferries to Big Major Cay. For most visitors, a guided tour is the simplest and safest option.
What’s the worst part of the experience?
The crowds. By 10 a.m., Pig Beach can have several boats and dozens of people in the water. The pigs can become overwhelmed. That’s why an early start or a shoulder-season visit makes a big difference.
How much does a tour cost?
Prices vary widely. Full-day tours from Nassau typically range from $250–$400 per person, including flights or speedboat, lunch, and multiple stops. Half-day tours from Great Exuma run $150–$250. Private charters start around $800 for a small group.
What should I do if the pigs seem stressed or resting?
Keep your distance. The responsible tourism guidelines state that you should observe from a respectful distance if the pigs are resting or showing signs of agitation. Don’t force interaction.
One Last Thing About Pig Beach
Swimming with the pigs is an odd, joyful thing—a moment where the Bahamas’ absurd beauty and the pigs’ calm curiosity meet. It’s not a polished theme park experience; it’s a real interaction with real animals, which means it can be messy, crowded, and unpredictable. That’s also what makes it memorable. If you go with patience and respect, you’ll come away with a story that feels earned, not just purchased. For more ideas on what to do in the Exumas, check out our guide to Uncle Charlie’s Blue Hole—a less crowded but equally spectacular spot.
References
Must Seespots. “Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas: Ultimate Guide to Pig Beach.” Must Seespots, 2025. ↗
Must Seespots. “How to Get to Pig Beach, Bahamas: The Ultimate Visitors Guide.” Must Seespots, 2025. ↗
Pieces of 8 Tours. “The Ultimate Guide to Swimming with Pigs in Exuma, Bahamas.” Pieces of 8 Tours, 2025. ↗
Tourdaddy. “Guide to Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas.” Tourdaddy, 2025. ↗
If you’re planning a longer trip to the Bahamas, you might also find our post on undiscovered Eleuthera useful for quieter beaches, and our comparison of Goldwyn versus Island House versus Grand Isle if you’re deciding where to stay in the Exumas.
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