Before You Swim With the Pigs in the Bahamas, Read This
The Bahamas is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. But aside from that, there’s a quirky, unforgettable attraction that has gained global attention: swimming with the pigs. In the Exumas, a chain of islands in the Bahamas, wild pigs have become a beloved spectacle. They swim in the warm waters and greet boaters who visit their island home. The viral photo opportunity has evolved into one of the most unique and sought-after travel experiences. But before you decide to dive into the experience, there are some important things you need to know.
The Origin of the Pigs in the Bahamas
Image via Unsplash/Sherard Campbell
You may be wondering how pigs ended up living on a tropical island in the first place. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. While there are several myths surrounding the pigs’ origins, the most popular story involves a group of farmers in the late 1990s.
According to local lore, the farmers relocated a group of pigs to Big Major Cay in the Exumas after their smell became intolerable to the small island of Staniel Cay, where they had initially been kept in pens.
Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, is a small uninhabited island, but the pigs quickly adapted to their new environment. Over time, they began associating the sound of boats with food, which led to the pigs swimming out to greet visitors. This unique behavior soon caught the attention of sailors and yacht owners who started sharing pictures of these water-loving pigs online.
The exposure helped turn the pigs into an internet sensation, and before long, swimming with pigs in the Bahamas became one of the most sought-after bucket-list experiences for travelers.
Where to Swim with Pigs
Several beaches around the Bahamas have jumped on the bandwagon. However, the original Pig Beach on Big Major Cay remains the most famous and authentic destination for this unique activity.
To visit, you can either base yourself on Staniel Cay, a nearby inhabited island, or take a day trip from Nassau. Many tourists opt for the latter, though it requires more time and effort due to the distance involved. Staniel Cay offers a much more relaxed and intimate experience, as it’s much less crowded than Nassau. From there, you can hop on a boat for a short trip to Big Major Cay.
If you’re staying in Nassau, you’ll need to either book a flight or take a boat to Staniel Cay, which will add extra cost and time to your visit. Many tour options offer transportation directly from Nassau to Pig Beach, but these can range from a $675 flight to a $260 speedboat ride. While day-tripping from Nassau is possible, staying on Staniel Cay and organizing your tour from there is not only cheaper but also more convenient and enjoyable.
What to Expect on the Tour
Image via Unsplash/Marissa Daeger
Once you arrive at Big Major Cay, you’ll be greeted by the pigs swimming towards the boat. These pigs are wild animals, but they’ve become accustomed to humans, and they’re always on the lookout for food. Seeing these massive creatures paddling through the crystal-clear waters is an unforgettable experience.
Most tour operators allow short interactions with the pigs, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the tour package. Those moments can be magical, as the pigs are friendly and love the attention. Tour guides will often provide food like fruit or vegetables to encourage the pigs to swim close to the boat.
Though swimming with pigs sounds like a fun and harmless activity, there are some risks involved. The pigs may be accustomed to human presence, but are still wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable.
Some might become aggressive when food is involved, and there have been reports of tourists being bitten or scratched. One Reddit user shared their experience of being bitten by a pig, which resulted in an infection that required antibiotics and a series of rabies shots.
Aside from the potential for injury, swimming in the waters around Big Major Cay also comes with some health risks. These pigs live in a natural environment, and that means the water around them can be contaminated with bacteria or parasites.
Tourists who swim with the pigs have reported contracting infections such as cellulitis, or worse, parasitic diseases. It’s essential to take precautions, such as avoiding open cuts and ensuring you don’t ingest any water during the experience.
Additionally, you may have to contend with other tourists. As Pig Beach becomes increasingly popular, the island can become crowded, especially during peak season. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience with the pigs, you might want to visit during the off-season or book a private tour to avoid the crowds.
How to Swim with the Pigs Responsibly
One of the biggest ethical concerns surrounding the swimming pigs is the impact of tourism on their well-being. Despite being wild animals, their behavior has been altered by the constant interaction with tourists. The pigs are now heavily reliant on human food, which has led to changes in their natural diet and foraging behavior.
Many conservationists have raised concerns about the long-term effects of such close human-animal interactions, including health problems. In 2017, several pigs died after ingesting sand, which they likely consumed while eating food tossed to them by tourists.
If you decide to swim with the pigs, there are several ways to ensure that the experience is both enjoyable and ethical.
First, always choose a reputable tour operator that prioritizes animal welfare and follows responsible tourism practices. It’s important to follow their guidelines. Do not feed the pigs anything that is not provided by the caretakers, and avoid feeding them on land. Feeding them in the water helps ensure that the pigs remain calm and aren’t overly aggressive.
Finally, respect the pigs’ space and refrain from chasing or picking them up. While they may seem friendly and eager for attention, it’s essential to remember that they are wild animals.
Other Activities in the Exumas
Image via Unsplash/Maria Larsen
There’s also much more to see and do on your trip to the Exumas. Many tours include additional stops to nearby islands, such as Iguana Island, where you can observe wild iguanas in their natural habitat. You can also explore the Thunderball Grotto, a famous underwater cave that has appeared in several James Bond films, and snorkel at the site of a sunken airplane wreckage.
Another popular stop is the sandbar near Johnny Depp’s private island, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. If you’re feeling adventurous, some tours offer the chance to swim with nurse sharks or explore the surrounding waters by boat.