Swimming with Pigs in The Bahamas has long been on my bucket list. It was always so much fun seeing friends on Instagram swimming with pigs! Here is a guide to swimming with pigs in The Bahamas.
Where Can You Swim with Pigs in The Bahamas?
There are several options for you when it comes to swimming with pigs in The Bahamas. You can swim with the famous pigs in Exuma or swim with the pigs in Eleuthera or swim with the pigs in Rose Island or swim with the pigs in Abaco. There are several local tour operators that will take you to the swimming pigs, the distance and price will be the deciding factors.
The Famous Swimming Pigs in Exuma
Big Major Cay or Pig Beach is home to the famous swimming pigs. Located in the Exuma section of the Bahamas, Pig Beach is 2 hours away from Nassau. These pigs are very friendly and not shy around people. In fact, when they see you approaching the island, they will excitedly swim out to greet you. Being greeted by snorting pigs is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Don’t forget to bring food scraps to feed them.
What is It Like To Swim with Pigs?
Swimming with pigs is a fun and memorable experience. As your boat approaches Pig Island, you can hear pigs snorting. Pigs, both adults and piglets, will eagerly swim towards your boat. They’re looking to see if you have any food for them to eat. They will come to you when you feed them food, you can take photos, swim with them and even carry the piglets.
How Many Swimming Pigs are at Pig Beach?
There are around 20 swimming pigs at Pig Beach. They range from big adult pigs to adorable piglets!
What’s the Best Way to Get to the Swimming Pigs in Exuma?
The best way to get to the Swimming Pigs in Exuma is to take a boat. Pig Beach is an island. The only way to get there is by boat. You can either fly and then take a boat to Pig Beach or charter a boat directly to Pig Beach. There are many local tour operators that offer full day excursions to swim with the famous pigs of Bahamas.
How Far is the Swimming Pig’s Pig Beach from Nassau?
The famous Swimming Pig’s Pig Beach is located in the Exuma islands which is approximately 89 miles from Nassau. It takes 2 hours by boat from Nassau to get to the Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach.
Can You Fly from Nassau to Pig Beach?
You can fly from Nassau to Pig Beach. The closest airport to Pig Beach is Staniel Cay. Take Flamingo Air and fly from Nassau to Staniel Cay. The flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay is 45 minutes long. At Staniel Cay, have one of the local boat operators take you to Pig Beach.
Flying from Nassau to swim with the pigs at Pig Beach is not necessarily a quicker option since you have to add in the transfer time from hotel to airport then airport to Pig Beach.
How Long is the Boat Ride from Nassau to Pig Beach?
The boat ride from Nassau to Pig Beach takes around 2 hours each way.
Where are the Closest Swimming Pigs to Nassau?
The closest swimming pigs to Nassau are found on Sandy Toes Rose Island. Sandy Toes Rose Island is about a 25-minute boat ride away from Nassau.
The Rose Island’s swimming pigs, like those at Pig Beach, live on an inhabited island. Pigs on Rose Island, however, are not wild pigs like the Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach. The advantage of visiting the swimming pigs on Rose Island is that you can spend the day lounging on the beach, snorkeling, and kayaking, as opposed to visiting the Swimming Pigs on Pig Beach in Exuma, where you are in and out in 20 minutes.
Plus of course, you can’t beat the 25 minute boat ride from Nassau to swim with the swimming pigs at Rose Island. While if you were to swim with the pigs at Pig Beach, you will have to take a 2 hour boat ride to Exuma!
Where are the Other Swimming Pigs in The Bahamas?
When it comes to swimming with pigs in the Bahamas, there are several options available. Aside from the pigs in Rose Island and Exuma, you can also swim with pigs in Eleuthera and Abaco.
At Eleuthera islands, there are swimming pigs at Meek’s Patch near Spanish Wells. The experience swimming with the Eleuthera pigs will be similar to visiting the swimming pigs at Pig Beach in Exuma. You will get to feed the pigs, take photos and of course, swim with the pigs.
Swimming with the pigs in Abaco is another option. These Abaco swimming pigs live on an island called No Name Cay or Piggyville. The experience swimming with Abaco pigs is also very similar to swimming with the Exuma pigs.
There are several local tour operators that will take you to the swimming pigs, the deciding factors will be based on the distance and the price.
What Can You Feed the Swimming Pigs?
The swimming pigs like carrots, grapes, potatoes, bread and apples. Bring food scraps to feed the swimming pigs. Your tour operator should also have some food for you to feed the swimming pigs. It’s a unique and thrilling experience to feed the swimming pigs!
Can You Get Injured Feeding the Swimming Pigs?
Yes, you can get injured feeding the pigs. Pigs have very poor eyesight so during the feeding frenzy they may accidentally bite you or step on you! The adult pigs are quite large and they can get very excited and aggressive when they see food. Do be careful and use your best judgment when you are feeding the swimming pigs.
Is it Safe for Kids to Swim with the Swimming Pigs?
I think it’s a lot of fun for kids to swim with the swimming pigs. They will enjoy swimming with the pigs especially when they get to meet the baby piglets.
However, I don’t recommend letting your kids feed the pigs. The big adult pigs can be too aggressive for kids to handle. In the feeding frenzy, your kids can get nipped or stepped on by their hooves. If you do decide to let your kids feed the pigs, let them know the dangers and teach them to keep their distance.
Can You Pick Up the Swimming Pig’s Baby Piglets?
Yes, you are allowed to pick up the precious piglets. Carrying a piglet is an unforgettable experience! Just know that the piglets can get scared and may start to squeal, when that happens gently put them down.
The baby piglets are adorable and will greet you by swimming out with the adult pigs. Sometimes, piglets can also be found on the beach in a shady location under a tree.
Bahamas Tour Operators to Swim with the Swimming Pigs
There are several tour operators in The Bahamas that will take you on swimming pigs excursions. Below is a list of tour operators.
Swimming with Pigs Tours to Exuma
Swimming with Pigs Tours to Rose Island
Swimming with Pigs Tours to Eleuthera
Swimming with Pig Tours to Abaco
Where to Stay in the Bahamas
Nassau Hotels and Resorts
- British Colonial Hilton Nassau (Private Beach and Walk to Shops and Restaurants)
Paradise Island Hotels and Resorts
- The Coral Atlantis (Private Beach, Water Park, Affordable Hotel in Atlantis)
- The Cove Atlantis (Private Beach, Water Park, Luxury Hotel in Atlantis)
- The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort (Private Beach, Ultra-Luxurious Resort)
Grand Bahama Island Hotels and Resorts
- Pelican Bay Resort at Lucaya (Waterfront, Affordable)
- Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach (Secluded Beach, All-inclusive resort)
- Lighthouse Pointe at The Grand Lucayan (Beachfront, affordable)
Abaco Islands Hotels and Resorts
- Bahama Beach Club (Beachfront, 2-4 bedroom condos)
- Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour (Beachfront, Walk to Town)
Eleuthera Hotels and Resorts
- The Cove Eleuthera (Luxurious resort, secluded beach)
Exuma Hotels and Resorts
- Grand Isle Resort and Spa (Private Beach, Luxurious resort)
- Augusta Bay Bahamas (Affordable, Beachfront resort)
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