By Chantae Reden | Published: December 13, 2021 | Updated: February 13, 2026
Even though pigs can’t fly, it’s still possible to swim with pigs in the Caribbean. To help you experience this for yourself, we’re covering the origins of the quirky swimming pigs in The Bahamas and how to get to Pig Beach. Many have found that a cruise is one of the most memorable ways to make it happen, as you get to combine the thrill of open-water sailing with the iconic experience of meeting these four-legged swimmers.
Want to learn how to swim with pigs in The Bahamas? Continue reading to dive deeper into the history of the famous swimming swine and what to expect before you go.
What Are The Swimming Pigs In The Bahamas?
W
hen you first step ashore the sugar sand beaches of The Bahamas, it’s clear the area isn’t the most natural place for a pig. Rather than snorting around Old McDonald’s farm, Bahamian pigs wade through the crystal clear waters along the white sand of the Exuma islands. The pigs range in color from powder pink to jet black, and their flat button noses act as a snorkel as they swim and search for morsels of food brought by intrepid travelers.
How The Mysterious Swimming Pigs Scored Their Own Private Island
The original swimming Pig Beach in The Bahamas is 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 clear how or when the pigs first arrived 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 that 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. These legendary accounts highlight just how resourceful the swimming pigs Exuma has become known for truly are.
The most practical explanation is that locals dropped the pigs off on the island in an attempt to form a makeshift farm and returned later The locals then returned to collect them for food. A man named Wayde Nixon told the “Today” show that he and his business partner placed some 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.
As more travelers learned about these pigs in the Bahamas, they shared photos and stories, contributing to the island’s growing fame. 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, they’ve gained celebrity status to the point where they’ve made a cameo appearance on “The Bachelor,” graced the social media feeds of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and even have their own Instagram account, with over 270,000 followers. Once travelers caught wind of the swimming pigs, Bahamian boat owners began organizing tours.
Online, you can even find numerous swim-with-the-pigs reviews that highlight everything from the crystal-clear water to the overall cost and value of the experience.
Where Can You Swim With Pigs?
Today, there are a number of islands within The Bahamas that host communities of resident pigs, including:
- ● Exuma Cays.
- ● Eleuthera.
- ● Cococay.
- ● Pig Beach.
- ● Deep Water Cay.
Can You Swim With Pigs in Nassau?
Yes! To see them for yourself, you can charter a boat or join a shore excursion from Nassau, Bahamas. If you’re curious about how much swimming with pigs in The Bahamas costs, prices can vary based on the specific tour package, duration and amenities included, so it’s wise to compare options before booking a trip.
Is Swimming With The Pigs Worth It?
Yes, many travelers would say it’s one of the most entertaining interactions you can have with marine life in this region. While you can’t expect swimming pigs to have the svelte style of an Olympic swimmer, they are talented piggy-paddlers. Many of them are food-motivated, wading into the turquoise water for a cool-down or for a treat in the form of a fruit or vegetable.
What Is It Like To Swim With the Pigs?
Bobby Laurie, travel host of “The Jet Set,” says his experience swimming with famous 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 wild pigs from a safe distance. When they smelled the apples, they’d run over in excitement, their curly tails wagging and their hooves kicking up a flurry of sand.
Bobby says, “They were friendly pigs. 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 they’ll come over to you, sleep next to you, and you can enjoy the same up-close experience.”
Since each animal 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.
From capturing fun swim-with-the-pigs photos to simply enjoying the novelty of feeding these creatures, participants often find the experience thrilling. 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. This family’s journey included exploring more of the region, as well as discovering that the pigs in The Bahamas truly are a highlight for visitors of all ages.
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 their 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!”
Tips For First-Timers: What To Expect From Pig Beach
Before you venture out into the water with the iconic Caribbean pigs, make sure you’re prepared. Bring items like:
- ● Sunscreen.
- ● Bathing suits.
- ● Hats.
- ● Waterproof cameras.
- ● Bottles of water.
- ● Dry bags for items that shouldn’t get wet or dirty.
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 Pig Beach, tour guides will typically teach guests how to safely feed and interact with them. 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 that may lack a fresh water source. Ensure the morsels aren’t covered in sand before you feed them to the pigs, as ingesting too much sand can harm their health. Some swimming pig beaches advise visitors to place the food on the end of a stick, leaving a safe distance between their hand and their mouth. If you don’t want the animals to get too close, avoid carrying any food. They’ll likely leave you alone and wander elsewhere in search of a more stocked traveler.
How To Get To Pig Beach
Consider choosing a reputable tour that provides safety measures and a comprehensive experience. Keep in mind that there are more swimming pig beaches than the original beach of Big Major Cay, so it can be a challenge to know which 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. The best islands have guides who can help clean up after the pigs and can gently guide any rambunctious animals away from guests who prefer to be left alone.
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.
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