Pig Beach in the Bahamas: The Famous Beach for Its Swimming Pigs
Imagine pigs swimming toward your boat to beg for a few pats and a handful of food, in crystal-clear turquoise waters. That’s exactly what awaits you at Pig Beach, one of the most amazing and most photographed attractions in the Bahamas. Officially known as Big Major Cay, this small island in the Exumas archipelago has become a must-see for any traveler setting foot in the Bahamas.
Whether you’re taking a day trip from Nassau or staying on Staniel Cay, a visit to Pig Beach promises unforgettable memories. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to the island of swimming pigs in the Bahamas.
Where is Pig Beach?
Pig Beach is the popular nickname for Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island in the Exumas archipelago in the Bahamas. Located about 80 km southeast of Nassau, this small island with an area of 0.9 km² is part of the Exumas archipelago, a string of 365 cays and islands bathed by strikingly blue waters.
The island has no permanent residents—except, of course, for its famous pig colony. To get there, you must travel by sea: by speedboat from Nassau (about a 1.5-hour trip), or from Staniel Cay, the closest point to the island.
Geographic Coordinates
Big Major Cay is located at 24° 11′ 01″ N, 76° 27′ 23″ W, in the Exumas Islands district, Bahamas
Big Major Cay: Everything You Need to Know About the Official Island of Swimming Pigs
Big Major Cay is much more than just a dot on the map. This private, uninhabited island in the Exumas archipelago is the only place in the world where a colony of wild pigs lives in complete freedom on a tropical beach. The island is accessible only by boat—there are no roads, bridges, or airports—which helps give it an authentic and unspoiled character.
The pigs on Big Major Cay are cared for by local residents of Staniel Cay, notably the Chamberlain family, who run a restaurant on the island and have implemented concrete initiatives to ensure the pigs’ well-being: installing freshwater tanks on the island, building a nursery for piglets, setting up fences for sick animals, and putting up informational signs for visitors. A veterinarian from Nassau visits regularly to provide medical care.
Recommended food for the pigs: fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, or specialized pig feed available for purchase locally. Avoid processed, spicy, or alcoholic foods, which can be harmful to them.
What is the history of pigs in the Bahamas?
No one knows for sure how these pigs ended up on this remote island. Several theories are circulating, and each has its share of romance:
- The sailors’ theory: sailors are said to have left the pigs on the island, intending to return later to eat them. They never came back, and the animals adapted to their environment.
- The shipwreck theory: the pigs are said to be the sole survivors of a ship that sank near the island.
- The local initiative: some suggest that they were deliberately introduced to attract tourists.
Regardless of their origin, these pigs are not part of the natural ecosystem of the Bahamas. However, they have adapted perfectly to their natural habitat on the island: they forage on the beaches at low tide in search of worms and shellfish, and have learned to swim to greet visitors. A colony of about twenty pigs lives permanently on the island.
Pig Beach in the Bahamas: Why Did It Become Famous?
Pig Beach has gained worldwide fame thanks to social media and its appearances on several international television shows. The famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay have become Instagram stars, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.
The image of pigs swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters under the Caribbean sun has become one of the most widely shared photos from the Bahamas. The experience is one-of-a-kind: nowhere else can you swim alongside pigs in the open sea, in such an idyllic setting. The views of the Exumas archipelago are a spectacle in their own right, with breathtaking views of waters in a thousand shades of blue and green.
How to Get to Pig Beach with Bahamas Tours: All the Options
Pig Beach is accessible only by sea. There are several options depending on your departure point:
From Nassau
This is the most common departure point for tourists staying in Nassau or on Paradise Island. Several tour operators offer boat tours from Nassau, usually as full-day trips (6 to 8 hours). The speedboat ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. These excursions often include other stops in the Exumas: iguanas at Allen’s Cay, nurse sharks at Compass Cay, and snorkeling on a vibrant coral reef.
Expect to pay between $153 and $854 per person, depending on the type of excursion (group, small group, or private). High-end packages with a semi-private flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay (about 30 minutes) allow you to spend more time there.
From Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is the closest inhabited island to Pig Beach. If you’re staying there, you can rent a boat or reach Pig Beach in just a few minutes by boat. This is the most comfortable way to enjoy the famous swimming pigs without the crowds of the large tours departing from Nassau.
Is it possible to swim with pigs in Nassau?
Strictly speaking, the iconic swimming pigs live on Big Major Cay in the Exumas—not directly in Nassau. However, there’s also a similar attraction on Athol Island (also known as “Pig Island”), much closer to Nassau, which offers a pig-swimming experience just a 2-hour boat ride away. This option is ideal if you’re short on time.
To have the authentic Pig Beach experience—the one that’s gone viral around the world—you’ll need to travel all the way to Big Major Cay in the Exumas. Plan on spending a full day there from Nassau.
Bahamas Tour: The Best Excursions to Visit Pig Beach
There are many ways to plan your visit to Pig Beach depending on your budget, your group, and your preferences. Here are the most popular options:
Catamaran excursion from Nassau
A day on a catamaran is ideal for families and groups. Expect a trip lasting about 5 to 6 hours, with stops for snorkeling, swimming with the pigs, and lunch included. Relaxed atmosphere, rum punch served on board, and breathtaking views of the islands. Starting at $153 per person.
Private boat tour
For a more intimate experience, opt for a private boat tour. Up to 6 or 7 people, at your own pace, with more time on each island and crystal-clear waters all to yourselves. Starting at $700 per group.
Luxury package with flight from Nassau
The premium package: a semi-private flight from Nassau to the Exumas (30 min), followed by an exclusive day in the Exumas with a small group of up to 12 people. Highlights include: Pig Beach, Thunderball Cave, Compass Cay, and a gourmet lunch. Starting at $854 per person.
Swimming Pig Safari — short version departing from Nassau
For those staying in Nassau, a 2-hour excursion lets you swim with pigs on Athol Island, featuring snorkeling, refreshments included, and a professional guide. Starting at $131 per person.
Pig Island, Bahamas: How much does a visit to Pig Beach cost?
The cost of visiting Pig Beach varies considerably depending on the type of package you choose. Here is a summary of the price ranges we've observed:
| Tour Type | Duration | Estimated Price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Tour (Athol Island / Nassau) | 2 hours | Starting at $131 per person | Limited time, tight budget |
| Catamaran tour (group) | 5 to 6 hours | Starting at $153 per person | Families, groups |
| Private boat (up to 7 people) | Full day | Starting at $700 per group | Small groups, flexibility |
| Premium package with semi-private flight | Full day | Starting at $854 per person | Exclusive, high-end experience |
These prices are for reference only and may vary depending on the season, the number of participants, and the services included (meals, drinks, snorkeling equipment). Always book in advance, especially during peak season (December through April).
Pig Island, Bahamas: What to Do There?
Pig Beach is more than just watching pigs from the beach. Once on the island, you can:
- Swim and interact with the pigs in the shallow waters off the beach. The animals are used to visitors and will approach you easily.
- Feed the pigs (some tours provide appropriate food—check with your tour operator).
- Snorkeling around the island, in crystal-clear waters home to colorful marine life and a vibrant coral reef.
- Take photos — the pigs are photogenic and love to pose.
- Enjoy the beach, surrounded by turquoise waters and an idyllic tropical setting.
Most tours also include stops at other notable sites in the Exumas: Thunderball Cave (the filming location for a James Bond movie), Compass Cay to swim with nurse sharks, and Allen’s Cay to observe iguanas endemic to the Bahamas.
Exuma: the archipelago home to Pig Beach
To understand Pig Beach, you have to understand the Exumas. This Bahamian archipelago consists of 365 islands and cays, stretching over 150 km from north to south. It is one of the most pristine marine destinations in the Caribbean, ranked among the world’s most beautiful waters for their clarity and range of blues.
The Exumas archipelago is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the Caribbean’s first protected marine park, established in 1958. This 455 km² sanctuary prohibits the removal of any flora or fauna, ensuring the preservation of the reefs and exceptional marine biodiversity.
In addition to Pig Beach, the archipelago offers many experiences just a few minutes’ boat ride away:
- Compass Cay: swim with nurse sharks—harmless but impressive.
- Allen’s Cay: observe iguanas endemic to the Bahamas, a protected species that can live up to 40 years.
- Thunderball Grotto: a famous underwater grotto, a filming location for a James Bond movie, ideal for snorkeling in a vibrant coral reef.
- Stocking Island: white-sand beach, stingrays, and starfish at Starfish Beach.
- Georgetown: capital of the Exumas, a starting point for exploring the archipelago and discovering the local culture.
The Exumas are accessible from Nassau by plane (a flight of about 30 minutes to Exuma Airport or Staniel Cay) or by speedboat (about 1 hour and 30 minutes). Book your flight to the Bahamas with Air Caraïbes, then arrange your transfer to the archipelago once you arrive.
Bahamas hotels: Where to stay near Pig Beach?
If you’d like to enjoy Pig Beach for more than just a day trip, there are several lodging options nearby:
Staniel Cay: the nearest village, with a few beachfront cottages and villas. Ideal for travelers who want to explore the Exumas at their own pace.
Private cottages: several vacation rentals available on Staniel Cay and the neighboring cays, with direct access to the ocean.
Nassau and Paradise Island: for those who prefer to stay in the city and take a day trip to Pig Beach, all of Nassau’s major hotels offer excursion packages.
Practical Tips for Your Visit to Pig Beach
Before you go, here are a few essential tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Arrive early: Pig Beach is a very popular tourist attraction. The early morning hours are the quietest, before the large group tours arrive.
Don’t feed the pigs just anything: certain foods can be harmful to them. Follow your guide’s advice.
Protect yourself from the sun: bring sunscreen (preferably oxybenzone-free to protect the reefs), a hat, and sunglasses.
Bring a waterproof camera: you’ll want to capture every moment in the water.
Check the weather conditions: excursions may be modified or canceled depending on conditions. Check with your tour operator before departure.
Respect the animals: Pig Beach is the natural habitat of these pigs. Do not pull them by the ears, do not climb on them, and be respectful.
Swimming Pigs: What You Need to Know About Pig Beach
Pig Beach — or Big Major Cay — is much more than just a tourist attraction. It’s an extraordinary experience, set in the Exumas archipelago, that perfectly illustrates the uniqueness of the Bahamas: a territory of 700 islands where nature never ceases to surprise.
Whether you’re a fan of snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for unforgettable memories, Pig Beach checks all the boxes. Book your flight to the Bahamas and your excursion in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get a spot on your dream boat.
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, Pig Beach promises unforgettable memories that will be forever etched in your photo albums. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Want to explore other wonders of the Bahamas? Discover our 7 must-do activities in the Bahamas to round out your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pig Beach
How do I get to Pig Beach?
Pig Beach can only be reached by boat. Organized tours depart daily from Nassau and last between 5 and 8 hours. From Staniel Cay, the island is just a few minutes’ boat ride away.
Is it possible to swim with pigs in Nassau?
You can swim with pigs on Athol Island, just a 2-hour boat ride from Nassau. To see the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, you’ll need to set aside a full day from Nassau.
Where is Pig Beach?
Pig Beach is the nickname for Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island in the Exumas archipelago in the Bahamas, located about 80 km southeast of Nassau.
What is the history of pigs in the Bahamas?
The origin of the pigs at Pig Beach remains a mystery. The most common theories suggest that sailors left them on the island, that they were the sole survivors of a shipwreck, or that they were part of a local initiative to boost tourism. Today, about twenty pigs live permanently on the island in their natural habitat.