The Real Story Behind the Swimming Pigs
So here's the deal - nobody really knows for sure how these pigs ended up on Big Major Cay. Some say sailors left 'em there as a food stash (never came back, lucky pigs!). Others swear they swam from a shipwreck. My favorite theory? Local farmers put them there in the '90s when the island got too touristy. Whatever the truth, these little guys have become the Bahamas' biggest celebrities!
Today, about 20 pigs and piglets call this uninhabited island home. They're looked after by locals from nearby Staniel Cay and tour operators who bring 'em fresh water and food. Trust me, these pigs live better than most - crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and room service? Not a bad gig!
Your Tour Options (From Budget to Bougie)
Budget-Friendly
Half-Day Tours from Exuma
- 4-hour speedboat tour
- Swimming pigs at Big Major Cay
- Iguana feeding at Allen's Cay
- Beach stop & snorkeling
Starting from
$160-$200
Most Popular
Full-Day Nassau Tours
- Premium powerboat from Nassau
- Swimming pigs experience
- Nurse sharks at Compass Cay
- Bahamian lunch included
- Thunderball Grotto snorkeling
Per person
$350-$480
VIP Experience
Fly & Boat Combo
- Small plane to Staniel Cay
- 30-minute flight time
- Private boat tour included
- Premium lunch & drinks
- Professional photo package
All-inclusive
$600-$715
Ultimate Flexibility
Private Charter
- Your own boat & captain
- Up to 12 passengers
- Customizable itinerary
- Visit multiple islands
Full boat
$1,350-$3,800
When to Visit (Timing is Everything!)
Alright, real talk - avoid Tuesday and Thursday if you can. That's when the cruise ships dump hundreds of tourists at Pig Beach. Early morning tours (7-9 AM) are golden - pigs are hungry and ready to pose, water's calm, and you might have the beach to yourself!
Best months? November through April. Perfect weather, calm seas, happy pigs. Hurricane season (June-November) can be sketchy - tours get canceled, seas get rough, and those pigs aren't as playful when it's stormy.
Insider Tips from Captain Jake
Make Your Trip Legendary
Photo Secrets
What to Bring
Pig Etiquette
Seasickness Prevention
Beyond the Pigs - What Else You'll See
Look, the pigs get all the glory, but Exuma's got way more magic up its sleeve! Most tours hit Thunderball Grotto (where they filmed James Bond - snorkeling here is INSANE). The nurse sharks at Compass Cay are basically underwater puppies - totally safe and they love belly rubs!
Allen's Cay iguanas are prehistoric-looking but gentle. They go crazy for grapes! And if you're lucky, your captain might show you Pablo Escobar's sunken drug plane or take you to that sandbar that disappears at high tide. Every stop's an adventure!
Is It Worth the Hype?
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - it's touristy as hell. But you know what? It's also absolutely magical. Where else can you swim with pigs in paradise? My kids still talk about it years later. Just manage your expectations - it's not a private experience unless you charter a boat at dawn.
For the 'gram alone, it's worth it. But honestly? The whole Exuma experience - the impossibly blue water, the friendly locals, the island vibes - that's what'll stick with you. The pigs are just the cherry on top of this tropical sundae!
Booking Your Adventure
Pro tip: Book direct with local operators when possible - you'll save 20-30% compared to cruise ship excursions or hotel desks. Peak season (December-April) books up fast, so reserve at least a week ahead. Rainy season? Book the day before when you can see the weather.
Always check what's included. Some "deals" don't include lunch, park fees ($40 for Exuma Land and Sea Park), or swimming with nurse sharks ($15 extra). Read the fine print, folks!