Into the water with swimming pigs of Bahamas

The Exumas, an archipelago in the Bahamas, is an extraordinary and enchanting destination. The archipelago is home to an uninhabited island called the Big Major Cay, but to the residents of the neighbouring islands and tourists visiting the island, it is the famous Pig Island. The beach is called Pig Beach. If it is still unclear, this story has a lot to do with pigs, the swimming pigs to be precise.

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It is important to note that the Bahamas is not the only island in the Caribbeans where there are pigs who swim, or any other water-happy animals for that matter. But this particular archipelago, the Exumas, has captured the interest of tourists, and offers visitors big photo ops.


Coming back to our incredible Pig Island, people visit this island on boats and catamarans just to see a colony of friendly pigs frolicking in the crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding the island. The pigs will even swim with and around the visitors, looking for the occasional pet and chin-scratch.



So what’s the story of these swimming pigs?


Nobody knows the exact story behind the origin of these pigs, but it is widely believed that the pigs were brought to the island by sailors who intended to return and consume them. But maybe, they never came back, and the pigs started roaming freely, feeding off on the supplies left by the sailors and eventually finding their own food sources. Some also believe that, a long time ago, the residents from the neighbouring islands started keeping pigs on this island to rear for food.

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Whatever the stories you want to go with, one thing is for sure, these pigs have surely adapted to their life on the island and they love the crystal-clear water.


Pig Beach has become a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world eager to witness the playful pigs in their natural habitat. Various tour operators offer excursions to the island, providing opportunities for guests to feed, swim with, and capture memorable photos with the pigs.

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As per the latest count (2019), there were around 50-60 pigs on the island. Some were also found dead, because of which tourists are requested not to feed pigs food that are harmful for them or to leave clutter behind on the island. The Big Major Cay or the Pig Island is also home to a small population of feral cats and goats.


How to reach Pig Island in the Bahamas?
From the capital city of Nassau, Pig Beach is located approximately 143 km and takes about two hours by speed boat. There are several trips to the island offered by tour operators.