The Exumas are renowned for their sapphire-blue waters—waters so stunning! Their brilliant colors are visible even from outer space. This chain of 365 islands is home to secluded footprint-free beaches, deserted cays, and ultra-exclusive resorts. Here, nature outnumbers man, coastlines remain flawless, and private islands play host to some of the world’s most famous stars. Including a group of four-legged local celebrities. Let’s talk about how you can reach the swimming pigs in Exuma. Let’s discuss:
- Getting to Exuma
- Visiting Pig Beach
- How Did the Pigs Get Here
- Taking Care of the Swimming Pigs
- Booking a Full Day Tour
Exuma Hotel Spotlight
Sandals Emerald Bay (Couples Only)
A premier destination for lovers of all things exclusive, Sandals Emerald Bay offers a distinct enclave of refinement. Tucked within the exotic Exuma, in the Out Islands of The Bahamas, discover this breathtakingly luxurious, all-inclusive Caribbean resort.
Grand Isle Resort
Island luxury and Caribbean life come together beautifully at Great Exuma’s Grand Isle Resort. Experience footloose freedom on Emerald Bay’s ivory sands and sparkling blue waters. Swim with Exuma’s famous pigs or golf the Caribbean’s longest course.
Kahari Resort
Kahari Resort is a one-of-a-kind, boutique, eco-friendly resort secluded on Great Exuma’s pristine barrier island, Stocking Island. Enjoy an authentic and intimate Bahamian experience.
Getting to Exuma
The secret is out. When planning a Bahamas vacation, more and more travelers are discovering the natural beauty of the Out Islands. That means more flights, more ferries and more Bahamas vacation opportunities are springing up every day. Giving you more ways than ever to visit the Bahamas Out Island of your choice.
Whether you have your heart set on snorkeling off the beach, sipping a cold Kalik and munching on some fresh conch salad at a beach resort, or getting some much-needed R&R in the warm island sunshine, getting to Exuma has never been easier. You can fly into the Exuma International Airport (GGT) in George Town. Hop aboard Air Canada, American Airlines, Bahamas Air, Delta, Jetways, or Silver Airways. These airlines all fly nonstop to Exuma. The Exumas is comprised of both Great Exuma, where the capital George Town is located, and Little Exuma.
Visiting Pig Beach at Big Major Cay
Now that we’ve gotten the logistics out of the way with getting to Exuma, let’s talk about how you’ll get to Pig Beach and visit the swimming pigs in Exuma. Pig Beach (also officially known as Big Major Cay), is one of 360 islands found in the Bahamas’ Exuma Cays. It lies inline with hundreds of cays and islands that stretch north from Exuma Island.
The island itself is no longer than one mile in length. It can be traveled on foot in a matter of an hour or two. There are an estimated 20 to 25 pigs and piglets on the swimming pigs beach. The pigs range in size from baby piglets.
The popular Big Major Cay lies just near Staniel Cay. Staniel Cay is a larger cay and more accessible destination. Visitors can fly into using the Staniel Cay airstrip. So, you can choose to fly either into Exuma and stay near George Town or fly into Staniel Cay. Big Major Cay’s proximity to Staniel Cay makes it a popular destination for private yachts. It’s also popular for those who are docked at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
How Did the Pigs Get Here?
Big Major Cay is uninhabited and the pigs are not native to the island. Some say they were left by a group of sailors, who planned to come back and cook them. Or that the pigs swam over from a shipwreck nearby. Nevertheless, however they made it to this island, they are such a delight!
Taking Care of the Swimming Pigs
In The Bahamas, they value the swimming pigs in Exuma, and it takes a community effort to look after them. Referred to as dedicated custodians of the swimming pigs, Bernadette Chamberlain and her husband John, restauranteurs on Staniel Cay, helped to establish several measures to keep them healthy.
The Chamberlain’s are among other locals who are devoted to ensuring the swimming pigs remain as a sustainable attraction. Through a collaborative community effort with other local volunteers, the following initiatives were implemented:
- Raised funds to purchase water tanks on the island.
- Developed a guttering system to ensure the pigs receive enough freshwater
- Built a nursery for the piglets to ensure they obtained proper care and nutrition after birth
- Created separate pens for piglets and animals who are ill and need medical treatment.
- Featured signs that communicate rules and regulations to visitors. These consist of how visitors should interact with the pigs. The signage also educates visitors about the types of “pig approved” foods to feed them. These include fruits, vegetables, bread, and pig feed that can be purchased locally.
- A trough was installed and acts as a designated place to feed the pigs. That way they don’t ingest excess sand or saltwater.
Additionally, tour Operators who visit the area also look after them admirably by bringing them food and water. Do your part and bring fresh fruits with you! As a result, you’ll see happy piggies!
Booking a Full Day Tour
Basically, my top recommendation is to book a full-day tour. It’s the best way to see the swimming pigs in Exuma. You can read review of 4C’s Full Day Exuma tour here. This full day tour is jam packed. It allows you to cover a lot of ground and hit the “highlights.” Some of the highlights include visiting a sunken plane, the Compass Cay sharks and the Bahamian Rock iguanas. Another exciting highlight was visiting the Thunderball grotto for snorkeling in a cave. Book that tour!
Heading to Exuma, Bahamas?
