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Pig Beach: The Ultimate Guide to the Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas

Pig Beach in the Bahamas is home to the famous Swimming Pigs. Now the most popular of the things to do in the Bahamas, the Exuma pigs at Pig Beach are a sight to behold and should be on every visitor’s bucket list. Turquoise blue waters lap the white sand fringes of this remote tropical island getaway in the Exuma Cays. Come with me as I give you the ultimate guide to Pig Beach, Staniel Cay and all things Bahamas Swimming Pigs.

Picture a tropical island paradise; crystal clear waters, soft white sand, swaying palm trees? Well, how about swimming pigs? This is now the new top tourist haunt in the Bahamas : the Pig Beach on Big Major Cay Island in the Exuma Cays. The Exuma Cays are a stunning collection of 365 tropical islands in the Bahamas Out Islands Archipelago. In total there are over 700 islands that make up the Bahamas, but this one island known as Pig Island, is the one island that everyone wants to get to. And it’s not just the famous Bahamas Swimming Pigs that travellers are coming here for, in the wider area of Staniel Cay which is a heavenly tropical paradise there are sharks, turtles, endangered iguanas, tropical fish, underwater caves and a plethora of underwater wrecks to explore.

Pig Beach Bahamas is the center of attraction for visitors to Staniel Cay, but this remote Pig Island has no easy or affordable means of visiting. It’s a 3 hour speed boat ride away from Nassau (the capital of the Bahamas and the main tourist hub), or it’s a 30 minute plane ride away. But don’t expect large airliners to be flying this route because the runway at Staniel Cay Airport is so short that the operators have to use small island hooping planes like the Cessna Grand Caravan, Navajo Chieftain or Beechraft 99. I flew with Bahamas Air Tours from Nassau to Staniel Cay by plane. I’ve also taken the journey from Miami too, Bahamas Air Tours offers Bahamas Day Trips to Pig Beach from Florida by private plane!

Flying in one of these small planes into Staniel Cay Airport is an amazing experience. No queuing at the airport for check-in because they fly from the private executive airport terminal’s so it’s straight out to the aircraft fitted with large windows and plush leather seats. It’s a stunning sight to behold: flying down the chain of Exuma Islands and the panoramic views across the island archipelago are simply stunning! It’s defiantly the way to get to Pig Beach Bahamas and I would highly recommend booking your Pig Island Tour with Bahamas Air Tours. If you will be staying in Nassau then you should book a Nassau to Exuma Day Trip .

The only other way to get to Pig Beach is by boat and it’s a 3 hour powerboat ride from Nassau. The boat tours are frequently cancelled out of Nassau if the winds are too strong because the powerboats have to cross an open stretch of water that would otherwise be too rough and dangerous to cross.

Where is Pig Beach?

Pig Beach is located on the north western shoreline of Big Major Cay an uninhabited island in the Exuma Cays. Pig Island is adjacent to Staniel Cay which is where the nearest airport is located: Staniel Cay Airport. Pig Island and Big Major Cay is one of 365 islands that make up the Exuma Cays archipelago.

From Staniel Cay it’s about a 10 minute boat ride away to reach Pig Beach Bahamas which is sandwiched between Fowl Cay and Thunderball Grotto. Fowl Cay has a private resort with space for only around 40 guests it is a luxurious getaway currently run by the Sandals Resorts group. Thunderball Grotto is the famous James Bond Cave where they filmed the Thunderball film at.

Accommodation at Pig Beach

Pig Beach is uninhabited (except for the Swimming Pigs), therefore it has not hotels or accommodation. However on the island next door, Staniel Cay has a number of excellent accommodations. Look no further than the Water Villas at Staniel Cay. A collection of 3 luxurious and spacious Exuma Villas on the water’s edge of Staniel Cay lagoon and only a short boat ride away from the Swimming Pigs! That’s right, you can now stay on the island next door to Pig Island. Enjoy a full travel concierge service with flights from Florida and Nassau.

The Famous Bahamas Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach

You’ll approach Pig Beach by boat as it’s the only way to get there. As your boat pulls into the secluded bay that surround Big Major Cay island you’ll be able to make out these famous Bahamas Pigs dotted along the beach. Once they hear the motor of the boat they normally stride into the water and begin swimming towards you!

Some of the smaller pigs are actually really athletic swimmers. I’ve seen one small pig swim at least 200 meters off Pig Beach to a super yacht in search for food! However the type of show that the Bahamas Pigs put on for you will differ depending on how crowded pig beach Bahamas is. I’ve visited at many times of day and the mornings and late afternoons are certainly the best and less crowded times to plan your visit to Pig Beach. I’ve included photos of Pig Beach further down this article that compare how busy the beach is at different times of day.

The problem is that once the beach gets crowded with tour boats the Bahamas Pigs are less likely to get into the water and swim to you. They suddenly become very lazy since all the tourists are bringing with them food direct to the beach.

And this creates the second problem for visiting Pig Beach: The Bahamas Pigs can get quite aggressive, especially when it’s crowded. If you’re on a Pig Island Tour then you should have an experienced guide who will show you that if you’re approached by a pig and you don’t have any food on yourself, you should raise your hands with palms open. The swimming pigs seem to understand these gestures to mean that you don’t have any food and they will leave you alone!

What is there to do at Pig Beach Bahamas?

Located at the southern end of Pig Beach is a small pavilion building that provides a home and shelter for the pigs. It’s well stocked with fresh water that is collected by ducting on the building’s roof. There’s a recently contracted pig pen and feeding troughs now.

If you venture inside the Pig Beach pavilion you will find the inside adorned with named photos of each pig. There are other animals, apart from pigs on the hall of fame photo gallery, but I won’t spoil the surprise for you, you’ll have to visit Pig Beach yourself to find out.

I’ve visited Pig Beach now 2 years in a row. It’s amazing how much the family of pigs have changed between my visits. The number of pigs has certainly increased, despite accusations of theft by islanders accusing other islands of stealing them to create other “swimming pigs” tourist attractions on other islands! There are lots more younger pigs now. And there’s still Big Mamma, the largest and oldest of all the Bahamas Pigs!

The Bahamas Pigs are well looked after by locals and tour operators alike. They appear to have an abundant supply of food, and the signage around Pig Beach makes it clear that you should only feed the pig fruits, vegetable or bread; No citrus or kitchen scraps allowed! You are encouraged to feed the pigs from your boat, to encourage them into the water rather than dropping food on to Pig Beach. A final warning, is not to put your hands or try to feed the pigs directly into their mouths, they will bite!

Why are there swimming pigs in the Bahamas?

So one of the questions that remains to be answered is why are there swimming pigs at pig beach Bahamas, where did they come from and why did they start swimming? Its an interesting question that I’ve posed to a number of Pig Island Tour guides and locals that has elicited some colourful stories and history of Staniel Cay and Big Major Cay.

One of the stories is that Sailors brought the pigs to pig beach with the intention of eating them. But the sailors left and never returned to collect their pigs again. Another colourful story is that the Exuma Pigs were being transported by a ship crossing the Bahamas Sea. The ship was shipwrecked in a storm and the pigs then swam to shore to setup home on Pig Beach!

I’ve spoken to a number of locals and Captain Dave has given me the best account that explains their existence. Staniel Cay was originally a farming community and so the local farmers decided to put the pigs over on Big Major Cay which is the island adjacent to Staniel Cay. They did this because of the bad smells the pigs gave off. Captain Dave tells me that when he was a kid his parent would send him and his siblings out by boat from Staniel cay across the water to Big Major Car, Pig Beach where the pigs were to feed them. But one day as they approached pig beach the pigs were swimming out to him. They’d never seen that before! Swimming Pigs!! They must have begun to understand that Dave’s boat equalled food so swimming was there way of intercepting the food before it reached the beach. Dave fondly remarks how they told their parents that the pigs were swimming and were swiftly given a beating for telling their lies! It wasn’t until his parents visited the pig beach that they too saw for themselves the swimming pigs!

When is the best time of day to visit Pig Beach?

Its now the hottest tourist attraction in the Bahamas, if not the Caribbean. So quite rightly you want to get some Instagram picture perfect shots of pig beach and the swimming pigs.  So when is the best time to visit Pig Beach Bahamas?

If you go in the middle of the day from around 11am through to 2pm it gets very busy because this it the time when all the powerboats from Nassau arrive (it takes them around 3 hours to cross the Bahamas Sea from Nassau). SO if you can I would strongly recommend you avoid coming during this peak time period.

If you come to visit Pig Beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon then you’ve got the best chance of avoiding the crowds. In fact I would say you have a very good opportunity to have the entire Pig Beach to yourself!

My recommendation would be to do the Pig Island Tour by plane with Bahamas Air Tours, don’t take the boat from Nassau. If you fly from Nassau to Staniel Cay then you can beat the powerboat tours. This means you can stroll onto pig beach at 9am in the morning and have the whole pig island to yourself, whilst the power boat tours are doing the bumpy sailing across the Bahamas Sea!

When is the best time of year to visit Pig Beach?

The Bahamas Peak season is from December through to April and then July to August. If you visit during the peak season then it’s inevitable to get crowds and lots of tours visiting pig island. But even if you visit during the peak season, if you schedule your Pig Island Tour to visit pig beach during the quieter times of day (early morning or late afternoon) I would strongly recommend that.

Staniel Cay and the other sights close to Pig Beach

Pig beach is just one of the attractions at Staniel Cay . I think the whole area is of such astounding beauty that it doesn’t matter where else you go; in every direction you will be immersed in turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. But there is far more to here than just Pig Beach. There are the Sand Bars sat Pipe Cay, the nurse pet sharks at Compass Cay, the famous Thunderball Grotto from the James Bond 007 film Thunderball, the endangered Bahamas Rock Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay and the many underwater plane and ship wrecks that litter this area of the Exuma Cays.

The sand bar is a real example of paradise and one of my favourite features of Staniel Cay. There are many underwater snorkel spots also, the best of these is known at the Aquarium and is adjacent to Johnny Depp’s private island! The Aquarium is full of tropical fish, it’s where it get’s it’s quite literal name from. You can sometimes encounter green sea turtles here also.

However, the top sight apart from Pig Beach has to be Compass Cay and their pet nurse sharks. It’s not my favourite of all the Staniel Cay sights because it gets over crowded. The nurse sharks that live here, according to National Geographic, are mostly Harmless to Humans. If you put your fingers in their mouths, internationally or not, they will take a bite! It’s their natural instinct. As the popularity of Compass Cay Sharks keeps increasing then these types of incidents will keep happening. There have been quite a few high profile news stories of visitors sustaining injuries. My advice is follow the guidance of your local guide and you’ll have an amazing time whilst keep all your fingers in tact!

Compass Cay is located about 20 minutes by boat north of Pig Beach. You’ll pass the sand bars at Pike Cay on the way to the entrance of the Compass Cay Marina which is where you visit the Sharks.

Which Pig Island Tour should you choose to visit Pig Beach?

There are really only 2 different tour options. Tour by powerboat or tour by plane with boat. The Powerboat rides start in Nassau or Georgetown Exuma. Its around 3 hours boat ride from Nassau to Staniel Cay and around a 1 an half hour boat ride from Geoergetown Exuma.

The best Pig Island Tour option is to take flight option. It’s only a 30 minute hop from Nassau versus the long boat ride. You get there ahead of all the powerboat tours which means you get to see all the sights ahead of the crowds. You also get stunning views of the Exuma Cays archipelago on the flight form Nassau to Exuma. The panoramic views of the turquoise seas is really a sight no to be missed, although perhaps I am biased because I am a pilot writing from Flying and Travel .

But the reason with the greatest value to take the plane over the boat is that you’ll have a full day tour of Staniel Cay where you can visit the Sharks, Iguanas, Thunderball Grotto, Plane Wrecks and Sand Bars. On the powerboat tours from Nassau they only stop at the Sharks and Pigs, so the Pig Island Tour by plane is so much better value considering the price for each tour is not too dissimilar. Below is a map of Pig Beach and the Staniel Cay area which better shows the attractions and sights not to be missed on your Pig Island Tour!

Pig Beach Map and Staniel Cay Attractions

If you like the idea of visiting Pig Beach by plane then have a look at the Bahamas Day Trips and Tours on offer with Bahamas Air Tours. They operate day trips to Bahamas by plane form Nassau and Miami. So even if you’re visiting the Bahamas on a cruise and your stopover in Nassau isn’t long enough to make the day trip then you can take the Staniel Cay Day Trip from Miami before or after your cruise.

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The Best Swimming with Pigs Tours in the Bahamas

R eels of people frolicking with pigs on a beach in the Caribbean have more than likely surfaced on your TikTok and Instagram feeds at one point or another. After all, millions of people partake in this quintessential Bahamas experience each year, and the attraction is so popular that it's been replicated in other destinations.

If swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is on your bucket list, read on to discover the best tour options as well as what to consider when you visit.

Which Bahamas island has swimming pigs?

Located in the Exumas, Big Major Cay – commonly known as Pig Beach – is the original Bahamas island with swimming pigs. It is accessible from several islands in the Bahamas as well as Florida. Most swimming pig tours include other tourist attractions and experiences, including snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto (a filming location for two James Bond movies) and swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay.

How to get to Pig Beach from the Exumas

Staniel Cay: Staniel Cay is the closest inhabited island to Big Major Cay. Guests of Staniel Cay Yacht Club can take a short boat ride to Pig Beach via a local charter. 3N's Vacation Services and Staniel Cay Adventures are both reputable companies that offer such options.

Great Exuma: The largest island in the Exumas, Great Exuma houses some of the best resorts in the Bahamas , including the family-friendly Grand Isle Resort & Residences and the adults-only Sandals Emerald Bay . To get to Pig Beach from Great Exuma, it's best to book directly with your hotel. You'll have the option to take a full-day tour (with a roughly two-hour boat ride to the attractions from Great Exuma) or fly to Staniel Cay and take a short boat ride to Big Major Cay from there.

How to get to Pig Beach from Nassau

Pig Beach is reachable from Nassau via plane and/or boat. Below are some of the top-rated swimming pig tours from the Bahamas' capital city:

3N's Vacation Services: Swimming Pigs Flight & Tour

Price: From $675 per person

Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

This full-day, all-inclusive tour transports passengers from Nassau to Staniel Cay by plane, where you'll continue your excursion via boat. The tour includes several stops and activities:

• Swimming with pigs and feeding them tour-provided food at Pig Beach
• Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
• Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto
• Visiting the iguanas of Guana Cay
• Strolling along a stunning sandbar
• A stop near Pablo Escobar's mysterious sunken plane on Norman's Cay

Snacks, lunch, soft drinks, beer and water are covered in tour rates; snorkel gear and towels are provided. Children ages 2 and younger are free, though this tour is not recommended for young kids. While tour groups are limited to 12 guests at maximum, private tours are available for a more intimate experience. Recent reviewers say they enjoyed this tour, though some expressed mixed feelings about the captains.

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Born Free Charters: Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs

Price: From $439 for adults; $329 for kids ages 2 to 6

Duration: 9 hours

This tour departs from Paradise Island by high-speed powerboat and stops at the following destinations:

• Allen Cay, to visit Bahamian rock iguanas
• Compass Cay, for swimming with the nurse sharks
• Great Exuma, for a Bahamian-style lunch buffet (included in tour rate)
• Norman's Cay, for snorkeling
• A sandbar for some beach time

Recent travelers highly recommend this tour, praising the guides, the lunch and the overall experience. Per the tour provider, this tour isn't recommended for children younger than 2, pregnant women, or those suffering from chronic back and/or neck pain.

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How to get to Pig Beach from Florida

There are a few reputable companies that offer Pig Beach tours from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Below is a well-rated option:

Bahamas Air Tours: Miami to Bahamas Day Trip

Price: From $949 per person

Duration: 12 hours

This full-day tour starts with private transportation from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. It also includes in-destination transportation to Pig Beach, Guana Cay, Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay and the sandbars at Staniel Cay. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are included in the price as well. Recent travelers rave about this experience, with some noting it's the best tour they've ever taken.

Note that passports are required for this day trip, and that while children are permitted on the tour, it's not ideal for young kids. This excursion is also ill-suited for pregnant women, and the tour operator requires a doctor's clearance for expectant mothers. Tours are limited to nine guests (but require a minimum of five participants); private charters are also available.

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Is Pig Beach ethical?

Even though the Bahamas limits the number of tour operators allowed to visit Pig Beach per day, there's some controversy surrounding the island and whether or not it's ethical to visit.

In 2017, several pigs were found dead after an influx of tourists left snacks on the beach, causing the pigs to ingest too much sand. Also, travelers can be aggressive with the pigs, often chasing them, picking them up or even trying to ride them.

In recent years, a number of safety measures have been put in place to protect both the pigs and tourists. Per the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, they include the following:

• A trough provides a designated feeding place for the pigs.
• Signage communicates rules to tourists, including what you can and cannot feed to the pigs. The pigs are restricted to a diet of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, grapes, watermelon, apples and lettuce, and many guides supply these items for tourgoers. Some tour guides will provide bread as well, though processed food is not ideal for these animals.
• A local taskforce of caretakers is on the ground daily to ensure visitors and tour operators are engaging with the pigs responsibly.

While the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism maintains that the attraction is sustainable, know that there aren't any legal limitations protecting the pigs at this time.

How to be a responsible traveler at Pig Beach 

All tour guides are expected to share the following protocols with travelers; whether they do or not, it is important to respect these rules for both the safety of the pigs and you: 

• Remain calm at all times.
• Do not chase, pick up or ride the pigs.
• Do not engage with the pigs without supervision.
• Only use approved food from your tour operator, and do not feed the pigs alcohol.
• If you do not have feed, hold your hands up to show the pigs you do not have anything.

What to pack for your excursion

Pack a beach bag , dry bag or backpack with the following items:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Beach towel
• Camera and/or phone
• Waterproof phone pouch with lanyard
• Change of clothing
• Windbreaker or light jacket (in case of rain and because it gets chilly on the water)
• Cash and/or credit card (for tour guide tip and other purchases)

It's best to wear a swimsuit and a cover-up or T-shirt with sandals for the trip.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross previously visited Pig Beach during a press trip to the Bahamas. Disheartened by tourists' mistreatment of the pigs, she aims to educate travelers on how to visit Big Major Cay and other animal-centric destinations responsibly.

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Swimming Pig Beach in the Bahamas

By Chantae Reden | Published on December 13, 2021

How The Mysterious Swimming Pigs Scored Their Own Private Island

W hen you first step ashore the sugar sand beaches of the Bahamas , it's clear that the area isn't exactly the most natural place for a pig. Rather than snorting around Old McDonald's farm, Bahamian pigs wade through the aquarium-clear waters along the white sand island chain of the Exuma islands. The pigs themselves range in color from powder pink to jet black. Their flat button noses act as a snorkel as they swim and search for morsels of food brought by intrepid travelers.

The original Swimming Pig Beach in the Bahamas is found on the island of Big Major Cay, affectionately called "Pig" Major Cay by some. The island is uninhabited by humans and governed solely by its pig residents. While it's not precisely clear how or when the pigs first took up residence on this island paradise, locals have settled on a few theories.

One involves a group of sailors who charted their way through the Caribbean and dropped off a handful of pigs on the island. Their goal was to have a steady source of pork upon their return. However, the sailors never came back — supposedly, they fell victim to a pirate attack. Meanwhile, the pigs thrived as scavengers.

Another tale relates the story of a ship carrying pigs which ran aground on a sandbank or reef near Big Major Cay. The quick-thinking swine swam towards land and found a new home on the Bahamian island. To stay alive, they feasted on rubbish and scraps that washed ashore.

The most practical explanation, however, is that locals dropped the pigs off on the island in an attempt to form a makeshift farm, made possible through the island's freshwater source. The locals then returned to collect the pigs for food. A man named Wayde Nixon told the "Today" show that he and his business partner placed some pigs on the island during the late 1990s. Since then, others have followed in his footsteps by starting pig colonies on other islands throughout the Caribbean.

Though the pigs on Big Major Cay have resided there for decades, they didn't steal the limelight from Miss Piggy in mainstream media until recently. Now, though, the pigs have gained celebrity status to the point where they've made a cameo appearance on "The Bachelor," have graced the social media feeds of some of Hollywood's biggest stars and even have their own Instagram account, with over 330,000 followers. Once travelers caught wind of the swimming pigs, Bahamian boat owners began organizing tours.

Today, there are a number of islands within the Bahamas that host communities of resident pigs. To see them for yourself, you can charter a boat or join a shore excursion from Nassau, Bahamas .

What Is Swimming With Pigs In The Caribbean Really Like?

While you can't expect swimming pigs to have the svelte style of an Olympic swimmer, they are talented piggy-paddlers. Many of the swimming pigs are food-motivated, wading into the water for a cool-down or for a treat in the form of a fruit or vegetable.

Bobby Laurie, travel host of "The Jet Set," says that his experience swimming with pigs off Treasure Cay was unlike any other he's ever had.

He and fellow travelers were given apple slices on a stick to feed to the pigs from a safe distance. When the pigs smelled the apples, they'd run over in excitement, their curly tails wagging and their hooves kicking up a flurry of sand.

Bobby says, "The pigs were friendly. They were so excited for the apples that they made their way as fast as they could from person to person."

Once their burst of energy dwindled, the pigs plopped down for a seaside snooze, sitting next to anyone who was on the beach. Bobby says, "If you're not getting into the water, you can sit on the beach and the pigs will come over to you, sleep next to you, and you can enjoy the same up-close experience."

Since each pig has its own personality, much like a dog or cat, you might find that some are eager to go for a dip while others prefer to take a break on the beach.

While venturing around the Caribbean, Lisa Conant, her husband and their 15-year-old son and 12-year-old-daughter stopped at Big Major Cay in the Bahamas to see the swimming pigs for themselves.

Lisa says, "It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying! Apparently, pigs are excellent swimmers. The pigs get very excited to get treats and will rush over to you, which can be disconcerting, considering their size and teeth. I grew up raising pigs on our farm, so I knew they would be friendly and fairly passive, but seeing them run towards us all at once was a bit nerve-wracking for us and the kids."

Fortunately, the pigs typically know when to take a hint, Lisa explains.

"When you run out of snacks or if you get nervous, just raise your hands near your face to show the pigs that you don't have any food. The pigs are well-trained to recognize this signal and will immediately leave you alone."

Like Bobby, Lisa found that once the pigs' energy levels dwindle, they're laid-back. Lisa remembers, "The pigs let you walk up to them on the beach and you can see the sleeping piglets, which are so adorable. They're extremely entertaining to watch!"

Briana Beaty, a blogger at The Palm Beach Moms, has visited the swimming pigs with her children multiple times over the years. She says, "Swimming with the pigs is really unique. They are very hungry (but picky) and friendly. The kids really enjoyed it. We went one year and saw little pink babies. On our next visit, the piglets were fully grown."

Like many visitors to the swimming pig beach, Briana didn't realize that the pigs had special aquatic skills. "When our boat pulled up to the island, the pigs came swimming out to greet us," she says. "I had no idea that pigs could swim!"

Tips For First-Timers

Before you venture out into the water with the iconic Caribbean pigs, make sure you're prepared. Bring sunscreen, a bathing suit, a hat, a waterproof camera and a bottle of water. If you have any items that shouldn't get wet or dirty, it's best to tuck them safely into a dry bag or leave them behind.

Bobby also advises travelers not to leave their water shoes behind, since you'll need protection if you accidentally get stepped on. "The pigs are very heavy," he cautions.

At the swimming pig beach, tour guides will typically teach guests how to safely feed and interact with the pigs. If you're bringing your own food, the pigs squeal in delight if they're offered fresh produce like apples, bananas, carrots and swine feed. Clean drinking water is also a great item to bring along if you're venturing to an island where the pigs may lack a fresh water source. Ensure that the morsels aren't covered in sand before you feed them to the pigs, as ingesting too much sand can be harmful to their health. Some swimming pig beaches advise visitors to place the food on the end of a stick, leaving a safe distance between your hand and the pig's mouth. If you don't want pigs to get too close, avoid carrying any food. They'll likely leave you alone and wander elsewhere in search of a more stocked traveler.

Because there are more swimming pig beaches than the original beach of Big Major Cay, it can be a challenge to know which pig-ruled island is worth venturing out to. As a rule, islands where the pigs' and tourists' well-being are kept in mind will have shade, fresh water and food for the pigs. The best islands have guides who can help clean up after the pigs and can gently guide any rambunctious pigs away from guests who prefer to be left alone.

Keep in mind that despite their cute demeanor, the pigs can be unpredictable at times. You'll want to give them plenty of space to roam around and avoid interacting with the ones who seem overeager to get a treat.

Ready To See The Swimming Pigs Of The Caribbean?

Swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is sure to be an unforgettable experience. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll experience endless sweeping isles, rock-roaming iguanas, hospitable locals and a thriving underwater world that's home to rays, reef sharks, sea turtles and more. Whether you want to spend all day with the water-wading pigs or see them for just an hour or two on a half-day excursion, you're bound to have a memorable time in the Caribbean.

Written By Thessa Lageman

Thessa Lageman is a freelance journalist and content marketing writer from the Netherlands. She started her career writing travel guidebooks about European destinations and also worked as a correspondent from Tunisia. Right now, she lives in the Dutch seaside town of Scheveningen, a popular tourist destination, and writes stories for companies and organizations, including inflight magazines and the hotel industry.

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The best swimming with pigs tours in the bahamas.

Discover how to responsibly swim with pigs in the Bahamas.

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

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Reels of people frolicking with pigs on a beach in the Caribbean have more than likely surfaced on your TikTok and Instagram feeds at one point or another. After all, millions of people partake in this quintessential Bahamas experience each year, and the attraction is so popular that it's been replicated in other destinations.

If swimming with pigs in the Bahamas is on your bucket list, read on to discover the best tour options as well as what to consider when you visit.

Which Bahamas island has swimming pigs?

Located in the Exumas, Big Major Cay – commonly known as Pig Beach – is the original Bahamas island with swimming pigs. It is accessible from several islands in the Bahamas as well as Florida. Most swimming pig tours include other tourist attractions and experiences, including snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto (a filming location for two James Bond movies) and swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay.

How to get to Pig Beach from the Exumas

Staniel Cay: Staniel Cay is the closest inhabited island to Big Major Cay. Guests of Staniel Cay Yacht Club can take a short boat ride to Pig Beach via a local charter. 3N's Vacation Services and Staniel Cay Adventures are both reputable companies that offer such options.

Great Exuma: The largest island in the Exumas, Great Exuma houses some of the best resorts in the Bahamas , including the family-friendly Grand Isle Resort & Residences and the adults-only Sandals Emerald Bay . To get to Pig Beach from Great Exuma, it's best to book directly with your hotel. You'll have the option to take a full-day tour (with a roughly two-hour boat ride to the attractions from Great Exuma) or fly to Staniel Cay and take a short boat ride to Big Major Cay from there.

How to get to Pig Beach from Nassau

Pig Beach is reachable from Nassau via plane and/or boat. Below are some of the top-rated swimming pig tours from the Bahamas' capital city:

3N's Vacation Services: Swimming Pigs Flight & Tour

Price: From $675 per person Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

This full-day, all-inclusive tour transports passengers from Nassau to Staniel Cay by plane, where you'll continue your excursion via boat. The tour includes several stops and activities:

• Swimming with pigs and feeding them tour-provided food at Pig Beach
• Swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay
• Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto
• Visiting the iguanas of Guana Cay
• Strolling along a stunning sandbar
• A stop near Pablo Escobar's mysterious sunken plane on Norman's Cay

Snacks, lunch, soft drinks, beer and water are covered in tour rates; snorkel gear and towels are provided. Children ages 2 and younger are free, though this tour is not recommended for young kids. While tour groups are limited to 12 guests at maximum, private tours are available for a more intimate experience. Recent reviewers say they enjoyed this tour, though some expressed mixed feelings about the captains.

Check prices & availability on:

Born Free Charters: Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs

Price: From $439 for adults; $329 for kids ages 2 to 6 Duration: 9 hours

This tour departs from Paradise Island by high-speed powerboat and stops at the following destinations:

• Allen Cay, to visit Bahamian rock iguanas
• Compass Cay, for swimming with the nurse sharks
• Great Exuma, for a Bahamian-style lunch buffet (included in tour rate)
• Norman's Cay, for snorkeling
• A sandbar for some beach time

Recent travelers highly recommend this tour, praising the guides, the lunch and the overall experience. Per the tour provider, this tour isn't recommended for children younger than 2, pregnant women, or those suffering from chronic back and/or neck pain.

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How to get to Pig Beach from Florida

There are a few reputable companies that offer Pig Beach tours from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Below is a well-rated option:

Bahamas Air Tours: Miami to Bahamas Day Trip

Price: From $949 per person Duration: 12 hours

This full-day tour starts with private transportation from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. It also includes in-destination transportation to Pig Beach, Guana Cay, Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay and the sandbars at Staniel Cay. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are included in the price as well. Recent travelers rave about this experience, with some noting it's the best tour they've ever taken.

Note that passports are required for this day trip, and that while children are permitted on the tour, it's not ideal for young kids. This excursion is also ill-suited for pregnant women, and the tour operator requires a doctor's clearance for expectant mothers. Tours are limited to nine guests (but require a minimum of five participants); private charters are also available.

Is Pig Beach ethical?

Even though the Bahamas limits the number of tour operators allowed to visit Pig Beach per day, there's some controversy surrounding the island and whether or not it's ethical to visit.

In 2017, several pigs were found dead after an influx of tourists left snacks on the beach, causing the pigs to ingest too much sand. Also, travelers can be aggressive with the pigs, often chasing them, picking them up or even trying to ride them.

In recent years, a number of safety measures have been put in place to protect both the pigs and tourists. Per the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, they include the following:

• A trough provides a designated feeding place for the pigs.
• Signage communicates rules to tourists, including what you can and cannot feed to the pigs. The pigs are restricted to a diet of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, grapes, watermelon, apples and lettuce, and many guides supply these items for tourgoers. Some tour guides will provide bread as well, though processed food is not ideal for these animals.
• A local taskforce of caretakers is on the ground daily to ensure visitors and tour operators are engaging with the pigs responsibly.

While the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism maintains that the attraction is sustainable, know that there aren't any legal limitations protecting the pigs at this time.

How to be a responsible traveler at Pig Beach 

All tour guides are expected to share the following protocols with travelers; whether they do or not, it is important to respect these rules for both the safety of the pigs and you: 

• Remain calm at all times.
• Do not chase, pick up or ride the pigs.
• Do not engage with the pigs without supervision.
• Only use approved food from your tour operator, and do not feed the pigs alcohol.
• If you do not have feed, hold your hands up to show the pigs you do not have anything.

What to pack for your excursion

Pack a beach bag , dry bag or backpack with the following items:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Beach towel
• Camera and/or phone
• Waterproof phone pouch with lanyard
• Change of clothing
• Windbreaker or light jacket (in case of rain and because it gets chilly on the water)
• Cash and/or credit card (for tour guide tip and other purchases)

It's best to wear a swimsuit and a cover-up or T-shirt with sandals for the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several theories about the origin of the swimming pigs. The most logical is that when the Exumas gained popularity with the rich and famous in the 1980s and '90s, the resident pigs were too smelly to stay and were hence moved to the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay.

It is generally safe provided you're respectful of the animals. However, you should keep in mind that the pigs are known to bite if they're hungry and think you might have food you're not sharing. Because Big Major Cay is their home, they also defecate on the shoreline and in the water.

Most tour operators do not allow children under age 2 on these excursions, and based on our experience, we don't recommend bringing toddlers and young children in general — even if rates are free or discounted for them. Wait until your kids are a bit older.

Swimming with pigs on Big Major Cay – the original Pig Beach in the Bahamas – will cost you several hundred dollars – in part because Big Major Cay is a remote destination only accessible by boat. Of course, it is also pricey because of its popularity. Copycat experiences like swimming with the pigs on Rose Island are cheaper, but less authentic.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Amanda Norcross previously visited Pig Beach during a press trip to the Bahamas. Disheartened by tourists' mistreatment of the pigs, she aims to educate travelers on how to visit Big Major Cay and other animal-centric destinations responsibly.

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How to Get from Nassau to Pig Beach, Bahamas: Best Tours & Costs

If you’re wondering where to swim with pigs and how to get from Nassau to Pig Beach, Bahamas, wonder no more. You will find all the information you need below.

I remember seeing the first pictures and videos of pigs swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise water of Exuma, an archipelago comprising more than 365 islands in the Bahamas.

A few months later, I had the opportunity to visit the Bahamas and went swimming not only with pigs but also with sharks in Exuma and had an unforgettable time!

If you want to know how to get to Pig Island from Nassau to have one of the most unique experiences in the Caribbean, how to book a Pig Beach tour, how much the tours cost, and also the cheapest way to swim with pigs in the Bahamas, do not worry because I’m covering everything in this post.

Are you planning a last-minute trip to the Bahamas?

If you’re booking your trip to the Bahamas last minute, I have you covered. Below are some of the best tours, hotels and more!

🇧🇸 Popular tours/activities in Nassau (and nearby):

• Exuma Full-day Experience (top-selling tour)
• ATV Island Tour with Beach Break and Lunch (free pickup and drop-off included)
• Nassau Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour (top-rated tour)
• Nassau Rum Tasting and Culinary Walking Tour (likely to sell out)

🛌 Best places to stay in Nassau:

• Budget : Hillcrest  (a hostel located in Downtown Nassau offering mixed and female dormitories)
• Mid-range : Sandyport Beach Resort  (pastel-coloured villas surrounded by palm trees with a private beach area)
• Luxury : Grand Hyatt Baha Mar (5-star hotel with 6 outdoor pools, a private beach, a golfing course and family-friendly activities)

🛫 Want to get from Nassau Airport to the city centre? Find the best hassle-free transfer options here!

Table of Contents

Where is Pig Beach, Bahamas?

The world-famous and super cute swimming pigs of Exuma live at Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, an island entirely uninhabited by humans, located around 82 mi southeast of Nassau, Bahama’s capital, and 50 mi northwest of George Town, Exuma’s capital.

How the pigs got to Big Major Cay nobody knows, but the fact is that they live in a piece of paradise.

How to get to Pig Beach from Nassau

There are only two ways to get from Nassau to Pig Island, by boat or plane.

Traveling from the Bahamas’s capital you can fly directly to Staniel Cay, just a 30-minute ride, or book a swim-with-pigs tour from Nassau by powerboat. Below you find the details about these two options available and many tips to plan your trip.

1 – Book a Pig Beach Tour with Flight included

If you’ve been dreaming about swimming with pigs in the original Pig Beach in the Bahamas, my recommendation is to book a day trip from Nassau with everything included. It’s much easier, cheaper and stress-free.

If you book this Intimate Pig Beach Excursion to Exuma Swimming Pigs & Flight Options with Viator, a Trip Advisor company, you’ll pay US$ 750 /per person. Including roundtrip to the airport .

Excluded : lunch.

The tour has seven stops and apart from swimming with the pigs, you’ll also get the chance to feed iguanas, pet the sharks and snorkel in one of the best snorkelling spots in the world, Thunderball Grotto (where the James Bond homonym movie was filmed).

The flight has only a few seats, so booking your ticket in advance is highly recommended. Check out the reviews and tour details here .

Another seven-stop tour with flights included that might interest you is this one that departs at 8:00 AM from a private and hassle-free airport in Nassau, which can be much more convenient. The tour includes roundtrip airport transfers, soft drinks, light snacks and lunch .

Book your tour online in advance

P.S.1: These tours are currently available only for two or more travelers . If you are travelling alone or put only one person , it’ll say that the tour is unavailable .

P.S.2: You can reserve any of these two tours now, pay it later and get a full refund up to 24h before the activity starts in case you need to cancel it.

• Don’t miss: 15 Best Things to Do in Nassau

2 – Book a Pig Beach Tour from Nassau by Powerboat

The cheapest way to visit Pig Beach and swim with the famous swimming pigs of Exuma is to book a Pig Beach tour from Nassau by powerboat.

You can book this Exuma Island Hopping & Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch from Nassau for approximately US$ 438 , or this Exuma full-day Experience , which includes a stop at Pablo Escobar’s plane crash, pick up & drop off, food and beverage for US$ 468 .

Both tours have really good reviews, friendly local guides and great service. You can reserve it now and pay later.

The tours take up to 8-9h and are subject to weather conditions.

P.S: Please note that the boat ride from Nassau to Pig Beach takes an average of 3h, and is not suitable for children under three years old, pregnant women or persons with recent back injuries or major surgery.

• Check my suggestions on what to pack for the Bahamas here .

My Experience getting to Pig Island

While planning my Three-day trip to the Bahamas , one of the places that I really wanted to see was Exuma Island, which features some of the clearest and most beautiful sapphire-blue water on the planet.

When I discovered that I could go swimming with pigs and sharks in Exuma, I hesitated a bit at first, because I was scared of sharks, but then decided to do it no matter how much money I would have to spend.

I didn’t know how to get to Pig Beach from Nassau, so I was searching for tour companies and found Coastline Adventures. They gave me all the information I needed in order to go from Nassau to Exuma for the day trip to see the hilarious swimming pigs.

I took the first flight from Nassau to George Town at 6:00 AM, the driver picked me up at the airport around 7:00 and then the other people who were joining the tour at their hotels.

The Coastline Adventure Swimming Pigs tour was excellent!

We sailed on the crystal clear water of different shades of blue of Exuma Cays, saw some islands owned by celebrities and stopped on a breathtaking sandbank.

We also went to Thunderball Grotto (where two James Bond movies were shot), passed Nicolas Cage’s Island and of course went swimming with pigs at Big Major Cay and with sharks at Compass Cay.

The music on the boat was really good, and the vibe was awesome. We had free drinks and a lot of fun feeding and swimming with the pigs and piglets.

The Swimming Pigs Tour covers a total of over 120 miles. So be prepared to spend a lot of time on the boat and under the sun.

In the end, they dropped me off at the airport on time to catch my flight back to Nassau.

How much does it cost to swim with pigs in the Bahamas?

If you’re in Nassau or Paradise Island you’ll spend at least US$ 438 for a Swimming with Pigs Tour by powerboat , and US$ 750 if you book a tour with flight included.

In case you’re already on Exuma Island and want to swim with the famous pigs, you’ll spend a minimum of US$ 448 or 336 (if you’re in a group of four) on a Pig Island Tour.

If you’re on a budget, the cheapest way to swim with pigs in the Bahamas is to take a Pig Beach tour from Nassau to Athol Island from US$ 140 or Rose Island from US$ 195 . But note that these are not the original Pig Island.

My recommendation, is, of course, to go to Exuma, because it’s a stunning archipelago, and you will also visit other beautiful islands along the way.

I’m not adding here the costs to get to the Bahamas because they can vary significantly depending on many factors, such as time of the year, distance traveled, etc.

Flying directly to Staniel Cay from Nassau the minimum you’ll spend will be US$ 250 , and from Fort Lauderdale (Miami area) around US$ 897.40 .

• Further read: Where to Swim with Pigs in the Bahamas

Final Considerations & Tips

Some things to take into consideration when you plan your Swimming with Pigs trip are:

– The full-day Swimming with Pigs tours are long (8-9h) and you spend a considerable amount of time on the boat.

– Bear in mind that open sea safari tours are not suitable for expectant mothers, infants and persons with back, knee, neck and heart problems or conditions affected by high-speed travel.

– The tours that depart from Nassau and Paradise Island are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions (wind, rain, hurricane, etc), so make sure to book it for the next day after you arrive, so if it gets cancelled, you may have another chance to do it.

– Flying direct to Staniel Cay is much easier, and faster and you’ll spend less time sailing, but it’ll be more expensive.

– For me, the best option is to stay two or three nights in Grand Exuma, take the tour in one day and enjoy the islands/beach in front of the hotel during the others.

– If you have limited time, my recommendation is to book this tour .

– Note that if you’re traveling to the Bahamas on a cruise ship you might not have enough time to take in a Pig Beach Tour.

– Be careful when you feed the pigs and the iguanas too.

– Pack light and don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and your camera, please.

Safe travels and have fun in the Bahamas and swimming with the pigs in Exuma.

More posts about the Bahamas that might interest you:

• Swimming with Pigs and Sharks in The Bahamas
• The Bahamas

I always recommend that you buy travel insurance! It can literally be your lifeline if something happens to you , or your luggage is lost or stolen.

Play safe and get yours. Get a quote with World Nomads here or buy your travel insurance now with SafetyWing using the widget below.

Visiting the Bahamas

Where’s it located.

The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean, 50 mi off the coast of Florida. The country is comprised of 700 islands sprinkled over 100,000 square miles (check the map here ).

How to get there

The main airport is the Nassau International Airport , now known as Lynden Pindling International Airport , which is situated 10 mi west of Nassau, New Providence Island.

You can book your flights with Skyscanner which is the website that I use and trust.

From the U.S. there are direct flights with Delta ,  United, JetBlue, BahamasAir  and  Southwest Airlines.

There are direct flights with Air Canada departing from Canada.

From other countries is easier to fly to the U.S., Miami or Fort Lauderdale, than take another flight from there.

To Exuma, there’s an international airport in Moss Town, northwest of George Town, and there are direct flights from Nassau, Miami, Atlanta and Toronto.

There is also a ferryboat from Nassau to Exuma with Bahamas Ferries , but it’s a very long journey.

Best Time to Visit the Bahamas

The Bahamas can be visited all year round with temperatures ranging from 21C (70F) in the winter and 26-32C (80-90F) during the summer.

But there are two things to consider:

• The hurricane season lasts from June to November.
• The months with the most rain are May and June.

Where to stay near Pig Beach

I stayed in Nassau at Coco Plum Resorts Bahamas, (which I don’t recommend) and just flew to Exumas to take the tour.

If you’re looking for hotels near Pig Beach my recommendations are Embrace Resort , Paradise Bay , Exuma Beach Resort .

If you want to stay in the capital area, I recommend:

Nassau : Sandyport Beach Resort , British C olonial Hilton Nassau , Holiday Inn Express , Meliá Nassau Beach .

Paradise Island : Bay View Suites , Comfort Suites , The Cove Atlantis , The Ocean Club .

• Book Your Flight Find deals on airlines on my favorite search engine: Skyscanner . Be sure to read my How to find cheap flights article.
• Rent A Car Rental Cars is a great site for comparing car prices to find the best deal.
• Book Accommodation Booking.com is my favorite hotel search engine. But Hotels.com and Hilton Hotels have very interesting reward programs.
• Protect Your Trip Don’t forget travel insurance! I always use World Nomads  for short-term trips and SafetyWing for long-term ones. Find out why Travel Insurance: Much More Than a Precaution, a Necessity .
• Book Tours in Advance Book unforgettable experiences and skip-the-line tickets with GetYourGuide or Viator .
• Book Ground Transportation BookaWay offers a stress-free experience with secure payments and no hidden fees. You pay online and receive your itinerary by email.
• Luggage Solutions Rent your luggage with Cargo or if you need to drop off your own luggage and enjoy your time without dragging it all over a city, find a LuggageHero shop here.
• Get a Travel Card Revolut Card is a pre-paid debit card that enables cash machine withdrawals in 120 countries. I’ve been using my Revolut Card for over a year and never paid foreign-transaction fees again. Get your Revolut Card with free shipping here .
• Packing Guide Check out my How to Pack a Carry-on Luggage For a Five-month Trip to help you start packing for your trip. Don’t forget your camera, chargers and other useful travel accessories.

2 thoughts on “How to Get from Nassau to Pig Beach, Bahamas: Best Tours & Costs”

What do you recommend me if I am from Mexico? Just 4 days to vacations thanks!!

Hola Mario. Que tal? I would suggest something similar of what I did. Spend sometime in Nassau and Paradise Island, and go to Exuma for the day. You can book this tour https://bit.ly/3aVXlRd or if you think that is too expensive, book this one instead https://bit.ly/3c5V6uD I also recommend that yo read this post: https://www.7continents1passport.com/three-days-in-the-bahamas/ So you can have an idea of what to do 😉 Saludos y buen viaje Mario.

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• Tour from Nassau
• Tour from Miami Florida
• Full Day Tour by Plane
• Full Day Tour by Boat
• Half Day Tour by Boat
• About the Swimming Pigs
• Where is the Pig Island?
• Story of the Swimming Pigs
• How to Get to Pig Island
• Swimming Pigs
• Thunderball Grotto
• Plane Wreck
• Staniel Cay
• Islands Guides

How to See the Exuma Pigs on a Bahamas Tour From Miami

Despite being right off the coast of South Florida, not many people know that it’s possible to sign up for a Bahamas tour from Miami.

However, it is possible, and it’s also something you’ll want to do if you plan on visiting the Miami area. 

A day trip to Bahamas from Miami lets you see the Exuma Pigs along with many other fantastic sites in the Exumas. But how exactly does a day trip Miami to Bahamas work?

Read on to learn more!

Bahamas Tour From Miami: How to See the Exuma Pigs

Finding the swimming pigs.

While many people want to see the Swimming Pigs , you’re not able to see them on the Miami to Bahamas ferry. That’s because the boat usually takes you to islands close to Florida, like Bimini and Freeport. However, the Swimming Pigs are in another part of the country, in a district called Exuma.

Exuma has 365 islands and is famous for its bright turquoise water. The color is so vivid that astronauts can see it from space!

Besides its beautiful natural scenery, Exuma is also, of course, famous for the Exuma Pigs, as well as for other well-known attractions. And while you might not be able to reach the district via the Miami to Bahamas ferry, there are other ways to reach it on a Bahamas tour from Miami. 

Day Trip Miami to Bahamas By Plane

As mentioned, a standard day trip Miami to Bahamas can take you to Freeport or Bimini. While both islands are beautiful, visiting them for an afternoon doesn’t allow you to get a sense of what the Bahamas islands are really about. 

Air travel treats you to unbeatable views of the Exuma Islands Bahamas.

On top of limiting what you can see, a Bahamas day trip by boat also ends up differing from how people expect in other ways. For one thing, the journey is long. Combined with time spent waiting at the ferry terminal, you end up spending several hours in transit – more time than you do on the islands. It’s also a voyage that you share with throngs of other people. 

To avoid the boat from Miami to Bahamas, more and more people are deciding to sign up for a Bahamas tour from Miami by plane. This lets you skip the crowds and the lengthy travel times and fly right into the Exumas near the home of the Swimming Pigs. 

What to Expect Upon Arrival 

When you embark on a Bahamas tour from Miami by plane, you don’t actually fly to Big Major Cay, the home of the Swimming Pigs. The island is uninhabited (except for the pigs!), so you fly to the nearby island Staniel Cay.

After disembarking from the plane, you then switch over to a boat to begin your Bahamas day trip!

The Exuma Pigs

While Exuma has many incredible sites on display, the Exuma Pigs are one of the highlights of a Bahamas tour from Miami.

If you’re unfamiliar with their backstory, the pigs reside on an uninhabited island called Big Major Cay. No one can say with certainty how they got there – some people believe that the pigs were shipwrecked, while others will tell you that farmers dropped them off at the island. Either way, they’ve resided on Pig Island for years. As locals have brought them food by boat, they’ve also become friendly in the process.

Today, when you pull up to Pig Beach on your Bahamas tour from Miami, you’ll see the pigs jump in the water to come out and greet you. On your Bahamas day trip, you’ll have plenty of time to spend with them – swimming in the water alongside them, hanging out with them on the beach, and exploring their island home. 

See pigs of all shapes and sizes on a day trip Miami to Bahamas.

Other Top Sites in the Area 

Many travelers don’t realize that when they sign up for a Bahamas tour from Miami, they don’t just see the Exuma Pigs. They also get to visit several other amazing sites in the region!

These include: 

• Beautiful beaches and a charming town on Staniel Cay , the island you fly into
• A school of nurse sharks that swim around the waters of Compass Cay
• Endangered iguanas that reside on the stunning island of Bitter Guana Cay
• An underwater plane wreck great for snorkeling
• Underwater caves full of marine life at Thunderball Grotto
• Pristine sandbars at low tide at Pipe Creek

Day Trip to Bahamas From Miami: The Trip of a Lifetime

A Bahamas tour from Miami takes you from Florida to the Exumas, one of the prettiest parts of the archipelago. Once there, you’ll get to see everything from the Swimming Pigs to sharks and iguanas. 

While traveling by boat to some parts of the Bahamas is possible, make sure you travel by plane. Doing so is the only way to reach the Exumas and also promises a comfortable and luxurious experience. 

Sign up for the trip of a lifetime today!

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Bahamas Air Tours Inc doing business as, Swimming with Pigs Fla. Seller of Travel Ref No. ST41785

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Famous people, celebrity sightings in Palm Beach County so far in 2024

From top (G.O.A.T.) athletes and Royals , to famous musicians, to TV and movie stars , Palm Beach County always has its share of famous people who either play here or call it home.

So far in 2024, many celebrities have been spotted playing, staying and grabbing grub in our county. Just to name a few: Sly Stallone sharing barbecue with the family at a popular West Palm Beach restaurant . Guy Fieri making a return visit to praise the chef at an Italian main-stay eatery in North Palm Beach. Plus TV stars and top-tiered athletes matched up and competed at a major PGA golf event in Palm Beach Gardens.

Here's a breakdown of famous people, celebrity sightings in Palm Beach County so far in 2024:

Sylvester Stallone stops by popular West Palm barbecue restaurant

What do you do when you find out that  Sly Stallone  has stopped by your  restaurant  for lunch?

You get back there in a hurry!

That's exactly what  Pig Beach BBQ  executive chef and co-founder Matt Abdoo did on Thursday, Feb. 1, when the megastar dropped by.

Read the full story here: Sylvester Stallone stops by popular West Palm Beach barbecue spot

"The Great One", hockey legend, stops by Pig Beach BBQ restaurant in West Palm

Pig Beach BBQ in West Palm Beach  was once again ground zero for a celebrity sighting.

After hosting  Stallone  and several of his friends back in February, the BBQ joint this time welcomed the National Hockey League  G.O.A.T., Wayne Gretzky , on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Waiting for a flight out of  Palm Beach International Airport  that had been delayed, Gretzky, who lives in northern Palm Beach County, and several friends decided to head over and grab some lunch at the Dixie Highway Corridor hot spot.

Though Gretzky had tried Pig Beach BBQ's food previously during a local, catered affair, he had never actually been to the  restaurant .

Read the full story here: Wayne Gretzky stops by popular West Palm Beach BBQ restaurant

Food Network superstar Guy Fieri makes second trip to North Palm Beach pizzeria

Can't get enough of the good stuff!

It would seem that the pizza at  Venezia Italian Pizza and Ristorante  in North Palm Beach has made an impression on Food Network superstar and part-time  Palm Beach County resident Guy Fieri .

Stopping by on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and even doing a short video with Venezia chef Albert, this was  Fieri's  second trip to the much-loved  restaurant .

Why did the celebrity chef return to Venezia? Read the full story here : Food Network superstar Guy Fieri makes second trip to North Palm Beach pizzeria

'The Bachelor's' Tyler Cameron and other celebrities compete in Pro-Am golf at Cognizant (formerly Honda) Classic 2024

Who knew golf fans and Bachelor Nation had something in common?

In addition to the professionals playing in the 2024 Cognizant Classic in February, there was a celebrity group participating, which included Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, legendary sports commentator Ahmad Rashad and "The Bachelor" alum  Tyler Cameron .

A royal visit: Prince Harry scores goal, gets kiss from Meghan Markle in Wellington

Meghan Markle  stepped to the podium Friday, April 12, carrying the trophy that was awarded to the winner of the  Royal Salute Sentebale Polo Challenge . The Duchess of Sussex walked past the first two players of the winning Royal Salute Sentebale team before squeezing in beside her husband.

"Me,"  Prince Harry  said, pointing to himself and feigning surprise before the couple kissed. The most famous polo player in the world helped his team win the round-robin charity match that benefited Sentebale, of which Harry is a co-founder, before receiving the congratulatory smooch from his wife.

Read the full stories here:

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle in South Florida for polo competition, charity benefit

Prince Harry scores goal, gets kiss from Meghan Markle as his team wins charity polo match

Laura Lordi is Digital Editor at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at  [email protected] .

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America’s Most Expensive Home Is a $70M Modern Mansion on Miami Beach’s Hibiscus Island

A $70 million home on Hibiscus Island in Miami Beach, FL, is this week’s most expensive home on Realtor.com®.

Featuring oceanfront views from downtown Miami to Biscayne Bay, this modern mansion boasts a minimalist interior and a rooftop space designed for entertaining.

The homeowners purchased the island residence in 2019 for just $27,750,000, so they’re hoping to more than double their money with their $6,374-per-square-foot asking price.

Other pricey properties on the market this week include a Manhattan condo atop the luxury Aman Hotel, a newly built California mansion in America’s richest ZIP code, and a 704-acre equestrian estate in Florida.

Here’s a full look at this week’s 10 most expensive homes.

10.  2810 Scenic Dr, Austin, TX

Price: $25,500,000 Lakefront luxury:  Located along Lake Austin, this design by Austin-based architect Ryan Street boasts nearly 9,000 square feet of sumptuous living space.

Built in 2008, the five-bedroom residence is on a private cove overlooking Laguna Gloria. The half-acre grounds include a pool, seating area, and outdoor kitchen.

(Realtor.com)

9.  1067 Westway Dr, Sarasota, FL

Price: $25,700,000 Luxury beachfront living: This sophisticated six-bedroom waterfront estate is resort-style living at its finest.

The 8,929-square-foot interiors feature a grand travertine staircase, a great room with intricate moldings, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The lushly landscaped estate includes two rooftop decks, covered terraces, and an infinity pool.

8.  125 and 128 Dune Rd, Bridgehampton, NY

Price: $27,950,000 Oceanfront opulence: Overlooking Mecox Bay, this 1.6-acre property offers room for growth.

Built in 1976, the 2,500-square-foot residence features wood-clad walls and ceilings and walls of glass. The property includes an additional .41-acre parcel with bay frontage.

7.  730 Fifth Ave Fl 19B, New York, NY

Price: $28,000,000 Central Park views: This three-bedroom condo is just one of 22 private homes located above the luxury Aman Hotel.

The midtown unit offers 3,498 square feet of sleek interior space with views of Central Park. Custom details include a double-sided fireplace between the dining and living rooms and a primary suite with a soaking tub and rain/steam shower.

Residents have access to a spa, fitness center, restaurants, an indoor pool, and outdoor terrace.

6.  89 Tallwood Ct, Atherton, CA

Price: $28,000,000 Brand-new build: This six-bedroom residence is in America’s most expensive ZIP code.

The three-story home with an elevator measures 10,668 square feet. The floor plan includes a 20-foot glass front door, floating staircase, tiered home theater, sauna, fitness center, glass-enclosed wine room, and covered outdoor kitchen overlooking the pool.

5.  888 Lilac Dr, Montecito, CA

Price: $29,995,000 Montecito mansion:  This six-bedroom estate featured in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘s Netflix documentary just had another price cut.

The 13,599-square-foot residence was priced at $35 million in 2023, when it was the filming location for the famous couple.

Lavish amenities include a home theater, bar, game room, guesthouse, five-car garage, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, and citrus orchards.

4.  30 Field Point Dr, Greenwich, CT

Price: $30,000,000 Colossal Colonial: This classic Connecticut antique comes with 6.3 acres overlooking Long Island Sound.

The waterfront property includes a primary residence that has been expanded over the years, a guesthouse, and a staff cottage. The main residence offers 11 bedrooms, 10 fireplaces, and nine bathrooms.

Built in 1900, the 124-year-old property is said to have had just two owners.

3.  13123 SW 41st Pl, Ocala, FL

Price: $35,000,000 Equestrian estate: This 704-acre horse property boasts 748 stalls, dirt and turf tracks, and a luxury residence built in 1997.

While no interior photos are available, the 7,800-square-foot, four-bedroom home has high ceilings, stone countertops, a gas fireplace, and four bathrooms.

A 15-acre commercial area “can yield a huge return plus many options to develop mini farms,” the listing notes.

2.  211 Winding Way, Woodside, CA

Price: $38,000,000 Abundant acreage: This six-bedroom vineyard home on 4.4 acres was designed by San Francisco –based firm Atelier Ugo Sap. It comes with a separate structure that could be transformed into a guesthouse or home office.

The property includes a 7,930-square-foot main house, a one-bedroom pool house, and an in-ground pool. The land produces wine, jam, honey, and olive oil.

1.  428 S Hibiscus Dr, Miami Beach, FL 

Price: $70,000,000 Hibiscus Island: This eight-bedroom estate designed by Florida architect Ralph Choeff comes with a private dock.

Lavish highlights of the 10,982-square-foot modern mansion include a home theater, wine cellar, and elevator. The outdoor living area has a rooftop with a kitchen, hot tub, and outdoor shower. There’s also a beach area with a fire pit.

Kellie Speed has more written for a variety of publications, including Haute Living, U.S. Veterans magazine, DiverseAbility, and JustLuxe. She can be reached at [email protected].

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