On May 9, 2022, it was last updated.
The swimming pigs were the major reason I went to the Bahamas. When I arrived in the Bahamas, I had no idea how many islands and cays there were (did you know that the Bahamas are made up of 700 islands?). However, there are just 30 inhabited islands in the sea.) is the best way to get there from Nassau’s airport (the capital of the Bahamas).
It became clear to me that Big Mayor Cay, a little island in the Bahamas that is home to just a few dozen pigs, was the best place to go to swim with pigs. It is my hope that this article will help visitors plan their trip to Pig Beach in the Bahamas by providing them with the information they need to make the most of their time there. If you can not find an answer to your issue here, please use the comment box to get in touch with me.
In the Bahamas, you may go swimming with pigs.
List of Chapters and Sections
Things to know about Pig Beach in the Bahamas before you go.
Where is Pig Beach located in the Bahamas?
The pigs arrived at Pig Beach in some mysterious manner.
Pig Beach’s peak season
Pig Beach is located on what island?
Getting to Pig Beach is simple.
What is the price of a trip to Pig Beach?
Visiting Pig Beach? Here’s What to Expect.
Is it morally wrong to go to Pig Beach? –
When visiting Pig Beach, here are some things to keep in mind.
Is there anything else I should pack for Pig Beach?
When planning a trip to Pig Beach, you should also think about the following items (incl. COVID restrictions)
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Things to know about Pig Beach in the Bahamas before you go.
Where is Pig Beach located in the Bahamas?
Pig Beach may be found in the Exumas, a group of islands in the Bahamas. Around 80 miles (130 kilometres) southeast of Nassau, the Exumas are a chain of 365 cays and islands. Despite the fact that most visitors choose to stay in Nassau, there are a number of Exumas resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals.
Big Major Cay is the name of the island where the pigs dwell. On its own, the island is deserted but for a few pigs. Big Mayor Cay’s nearest neighbour is Staniel Cay, a small island home to just around 110 inhabitants, however it does have a small airport. To get to the swimming pigs, you may either stay on Staniel Cay, which is just 10 minutes away, or you can take a one-day journey from Nassau. Pig Beach can only be reached by boat, regardless of whether you’re coming from Nassau, Staniel Cay, or another Exumas island.
Ask if the cruise includes a stop at Big Major Cay when arranging your excursion to Pig Beach. The Exumas are home to additional “pig beaches,” but the original is in the Exumas.
The pigs arrived at Pig Beach in some mysterious manner.
In addition to the shipwreck they escaped, the sailors who abandoned them on the island, and the pigs being moved to Big Mayor Cay from Staniel Cay due of their foul stench, there are several more theories regarding how they wound there on the uninhabited island. In the late 1990s, two farmers sent the pigs to Big Mayor Cay in anticipation of the Y2K computer breakdown, which they hoped would cause supply chain troubles and perhaps food shortages. This is commonly quoted as the true genesis story of Big Mayor Cay. On Big Mayor Cay, the pigs survived the Y2K collapse but continued to reproduce.
Pig Beach’s peak season
It’s possible to visit Pig Beach year-round, but keep in mind that it gets busier and the weather can be less predictable during hurricane season when it’s busier.
There are fewer tourists during the off-season, which runs from September until mid-November.
At its busiest, Pig Beach may get rather crowded during the months of December and January (especially during the Christmas Holidays). From March through April, it’s peak season.
From June through September is when the season is at its slowest. Nevertheless, even if there will be less tourists in the summer, you may experience wet days and clouds, as well as a hurricane or strong tropical storm.
When it’s early in the morning, the pigs are more active and thrilled about guests than when it’s late at night. You may have a tougher difficulty persuading children to join you for a swim in the afternoon since they are more tired. Since most tour companies stop at Pig Beach in the morning, the area is more crowded in the morning as well. There was just one boat parked at the beach when I arrived late afternoon; the pigs were completely ours.
anyway of the time of day, you’ll have a fantastic time with the pigs!
If you have a private boat or hire a boat, you may visit Pig Beach at a time when there are no tour boats parked. The pigs are all yours from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m., as well as at specific hours in the afternoon.
Pig Beach is located on what island?
You can reach Big Mayor Cay in just ten minutes from Staniel Cay, which is only a short boat trip from Pig Beach. It’s possible to see the swimming pigs if you’re not staying on Staniel Cay.
Getting to Pig Beach is simple.
Pig Beach in the Bahamas may be reached in a variety of ways, but unless you have your own boat, all tours include a guide.
Pig Beach may be reached in 10 minutes by boat from Staniel Cay (a tiny island near Big Mayor Cay, the island where the pigs dwell).
Great Exuma is a two-hour boat ride away from Pig Beach.
From Nassau, you may take a 35-minute flight to Staniel Cay or a 3-hour speedboat excursion to see Pig Beach.
Day trips from Florida can take you to Pig Beach (a 1-hr flight to Andros Island, followed by a 45-min flight to Staniel Cay)
The swimming pigs are just one stop on a full-day tour that frequently includes other attractions as well. You can check out my Pig Beach Tour in full here. If you’re prepared to spend more money on a private tour rather than a group trip, that’s an option. To get to Staniel Cay from Pig Beach, you have the option of taking a speedboat or an aircraft.
By aircraft, you may go from Nassau to the Bahamas.
Speedboat from Nassau to San Salvador
See the table below for an estimate of what each choice will set you back:
What is the price of a trip to Pig Beach?
Please keep in mind that these rates are only an estimate to give you a general idea of what to budget for your visit to Pig Beach.
From Staniel Cay to Pig Beach The smallest boat for a private excursion starts at $999. (up to four people)
In this case, we’re talking about Pig Beach, which is located in Florida Makers Air and Staniel Air are two of the firms that provide day excursions to Pig Beach from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. For the most part, prices fall around between US$630 and US$900. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for promotional deals from various businesses.
Children under the age of two are often exempt from paying.
Depending on whatever tour operator you choose to book your trip with, prices might vary somewhat.
If you want to get to Pig Beach from Nassau, the cheapest option is to take a speedboat ride. Although this is the most inconvenient means of visiting the pigs, the boat voyage is rough and you’ll be on board for several hours. Because it’s an open-air boat, you’ll be exposed to the elements, especially if it’s raining or windy. Tours might be called out at the last minute due to bad weather. Flight-based vacations are more reliable and don’t often have to be cancelled.
Visiting Pig Beach? Here’s What to Expect.
The pigs won’t keep you occupied for long. Pig Beach is merely a 15-minute stop on a boat cruise from Nassau. Private tours from Staniel Cay allow you to spend more time with the pigs, but you’ll have to shell out more cash if you want more than 30 minutes with them. The only thing to do on Pig Beach is take photographs, swim with them, and swoon over the piglets if you believe 30 minutes with the pigs is a lot of time. Besides Pig Beach, the cruises all make many more stops, such swimming with nurse sharks, seeing a sandbar, and exploring a sea cave (stops may vary depending on tour operator and weather conditions).
In the water, you won’t find any pigs. They can sometimes swim, although it’s rare. Most of the pigs were sleeping on the sand when I visited Pig Beach in the afternoon.
Pig Beach is a popular destination for travellers, so expect to see a lot of other people there at the same time. A private tour is required if you want exclusive access to the pigs.
You should be prepared to spend the most of the day in or near water. Even if you’re not a natural swimmer, you won’t be alone in the water thanks to the availability of life jackets. Swimming into Thunderbolt Grotto will need wading through shallow water to Pig Beach, Iguana Beaches, and the sandbar. You can stay onboard while the beach trips and snorkelling excursions if you’re afraid of the water.
Is it morally wrong to go to Pig Beach? –
In the past, there have been situations that caused people question whether or not the pigs were being adequately cared for and whether or not it was morally acceptable to visit Pig Beach.
In fact, the pigs are well-cared for, thanks to a group of dedicated caretakers. Caretakers keep the pigs’ cages clean, restock the pigs’ water, feed them, and handle any problems that may arise. In order to shield the piglets from the weather and wind, a nursery was created. In addition, a veterinarian keeps a close eye on the pigs. There are no problems with the pigs’ identification or registration.
Visitors aren’t a problem for the pigs until they’re acting like a**holes. Do’s and Don’ts at Pig Beach can be found in the section below.) When boats come, the pigs get happy because it is “Feeding Time!” When our boat driver stepped into the water, he was instantly mobbed by pigs who were delighted to play with him. They also recognise the boat drivers who visit daily with tourists. Our boat driver was just as thrilled to be swimming with the pigs; it was evident that he cared about them and treated them with respect throughout the trip.
When visiting Pig Beach, here are some things to keep in mind.
As a result of this, there have been cases in the past where both the pigs and tourists were injured while visiting Pig Beach. “Pig beach etiquette” should be made clear before parties arrive on the island, especially when there are more than 10 people.
Don’t go too close to the animals. If you want a cute picture, don’t pick them up. They don’t enjoy it. Don’t push them to feel uncomfortable. The worst-case scenario: attempting to ride a pig on one’s back.
Don’t pursue the pigs along the beach; instead, let them come to you. Remember that these are real animals, not just props for the camera.
Do not feed the pigs processed foods if you intend to do so. Vegetables, fruits (apples and watermelon), and bread are permitted for consumption. You’ll also want to use caution when feeding the pigs because they may try to take your entire hand! It’s safer for them if you put their food down. Make sure you don’t leave any food on your body when you get off the boat, since they may try to eat it.
Avoid leaving any garbage left at Pig Beach when you’re done visiting.
Is there anything else I should pack for Pig Beach?
Most of these things are self-explanatory, but I’ll list them anyway:
Bikini
As a bonus, we were able to cover ourselves while we weren’t in the water, which was a nice perk!
It’s up to you (fully charged, or with a portable charger)
While you may walk from the boat to Pig Beach in the shallow water without getting your phone wet, it is impossible to get your phone inside Thunderball Grotto. Keep in mind that even though most iPhones are now water-resistant, it’s still not a good idea to use the charging port while submerged in salt water.
If you wish to shoot underwater images, use a GoPro / underwater camera.
The heat is unrelenting and there is little shelter on the boats, so bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan on taking a long boat journey from Nassau.
Sunglasses
If you intend to go snorkelling with the pigs and sharks or to shoot pictures or films underwater, you’ll need goggles. To be safe, you should double-check with your tour operator while making your plans.
Repellent for insects (the mosquitoes are vicious! Several travel-sized bottles are available on
If you drink a lot of water and are a big snacker, I’d recommend bringing additional water and snacks with you.
It can get chilly on the boat, especially if you’re riding in a fast boat. We were also caught in a downpour, and I wished I’d brought a light rain jacket or a long-sleeved shirt.
If you wish to buy something on one of the inhabited islands you visit or tip your guide, you’ll need cash or a credit card. Lunch on Staniel Cay was included in our excursion, but alcoholic beverages were not. In certain areas, credit cards are accepted instead of cash.
Think about how much time you will expend on the boat, as some are all-day cruises. Ensure that you have all you require to feel at ease. Make sure you have headphones on hand if you’re planning to use them throughout your flight or boat excursion to Big Mayor Cay.
When planning a trip to Pig Beach, you should also think about the following items (incl. COVID restrictions)
Weather
Make sure to check the weather before booking a trip, especially the boat excursions from Nassau that entail many hours in the speedboat (and even if the tour doesn’t get cancelled: spending hours on a boat in the rain isn’t all that fantastic). To minimise cancellations and disappointment, book your tour on a sunny day..
Bahamas Entry Requirements for COVID-19
To enter the Bahamas, you must first get a travel health visa online. The visa application may be found here. Visa processing might take as much as 48 hours, so don’t put off filling out your form. The visa application fee is $40 for nationals of the United States and Canada, and $50 for citizens of all other countries. Non-refundable, it covers the cost of the necessary health insurance required for entry to the Bahamas. For a period of up to 30 days, you’ll be covered under this policy.
Before you may board your aircraft, you must provide documentation of a negative PCR test, which must have been performed no more than 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival date. Antigen testing is adequate if you have been properly immunised. Before visiting the Bahamas, all visitors over the age of 12 must undergo a PCR test. Children between the ages of 2 and 11 must additionally provide documentation of a negative Covid test; however, a quick antigen test will suffice. Covid tests are not required for children under the age of two.
In the Bahamas, you may learn more about the Covid-19 procedure, including the most recent information on entry criteria and any additional needs for passengers who are not yet immune to the virus.
No mask is required to enter restaurants or stores after you arrive in the Bahamas due to the low prevalence of Covid. On the boat and in the open air, a face mask is not required.