Ultimate Guide to Swimming with Pigs in The Bahamas

Sponsored by 3 N’s Exuma Holidays

So, you need to swim with pigs within the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Bahamas? We did simply that within the stunning Exumas Islands, and that is how you are able to do it too!

Till pretty not too long ago, swimming with pigs in The Bahamas was not one thing on anybody’s radar. Phrase began to slowly trickle out a few small Exuma Island referred to as Large Main Cay (additionally now referred to as Pig Island) {that a} group of untamed pigs had been excited to see any vacationer that wished to go to with carrots in hand.

Now it’s probably the most fashionable points of interest in The Bahamas!

I by no means realized how a lot of a factor swimming with pigs could be however so many in our group enthusiastically responded with, “I had no thought you possibly can swim with pigs.” “I’ve by no means thought of the Bahamas earlier than, however now I’m planning on it.”

Even all the best way from Australia – the land of gorgeous seashores – our followers mentioned, “How do I get there? I’m coming!”

This information to swimming with pigs within the Exumas, Bahamas will inform you all you should know together with easy methods to get there, what are the perfect excursions, what to anticipate, correct etiquette, and the opposite unimaginable belongings you see and do on the swimming with pigs tour.

As a result of Pig Seashore wasn’t even the spotlight of our 1/2 day boat tour for me!

The place Are The Exuma Cays?

The Exuma Cays are an oasis of 365 distant islands stretching throughout the Tropic of Most cancers within the southern half of The Bahamas. They’re identified for being extra distant and unique than the northern islands of the Bahamas.

I hadn’t even heard of the Exuma Islands till Natijia from 3 N’s Exuma Holidays invited us to go to Staniel Cay and expertise their swimming pigs’ tour. (They’re our paid associate for this journey!)

I’m unsure why The Bahamas was by no means on my radar. Most likely as a result of I’m Australian and had my fair proportion of spectacular seashores and islands. Wouldn’t it actually curiosity me, or would I simply be as blasé as one will get visiting Europe and seeing limitless church buildings?

Nope. Unimaginable while you see absolutely the paradise that’s the Exuma Islands. No marvel many celebrities come right here for a personal escape.

Our Bahamas trip grew to become a lot greater than only a swimming with pigs tour, which is why I like to recommend you spend longer on this spectacular area.

On our tour, we visited a number of of the cays and spent 4 nights on Staniel Cay on the Embrace Resort. We’re already planning our return journey and cherished escaping winter from our dwelling in Raleigh, NC!

The place is Pig Island?

The unique Pig Seashore is on Pig Island which is definitely referred to as Large Main Cay. It’s an uninhabited island subsequent door to Staniel Cay, the gateway to the Exuma Cays. 

Staniel Cay has the closest airport to the pigs, so most guests becoming a member of the Pig Island excursions by airplane from Nassau or Paradise Island will arrive right here.

In the event you’re taking a ship tour from Nassau or Paradise Island, it’s a 2-hour velocity boat trip to Pig Island, every means! You’ll be able to even get the ferry from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida in case you actually need to (I don’t advocate).

Exuma Pigs Historical past: The place did the pigs come from?

On a distant island in the course of the Caribbean Sea lives a bunch of comfortable, wholesome pigs. As they’ve lived there now for a while, they’re native, however they didn’t begin out that means!

There are a number of tales about how the wild pigs of the Exuma Islands got here to be. Actually, there’s a complete e-book on the topic referred to as ‘Pigs of Paradise’ by T. R. Todd, in case you’re actually .

We discovered the true story of the place the pigs got here from Natajia at Embrace Resort. And on what authority does she have to inform this?

Nicely, her grandparents had been the unique inhabitants of Staniel Cay and so she is aware of how the pigs moved from that island to the one subsequent door, Large Main Cay.

As you may think about pigs odor, and, on an island two miles lengthy and half a mile vast, that odor can intensify rapidly. Her household clearly wanted meals – not a lot is obtainable naturally within the Exumas – so pigs had been a necessity.

As an alternative of dwelling amongst the uncomfortable odor of the pigs on Staniel Cay, they’d the concept to maneuver the pigs to the close by desolate island. They might are likely to them – and slaughter them – from there. And that’s the story of the pigs.

They quickly grew comfy of their paradise dwelling and would usually be visited by passing sailors and boaters who threw meals scraps out to them. The pigs acquired used to this and would swim out to the boats for his or her feeding after they noticed them arrive.

It has solely been the previous 5 years that swimming with these pigs grew to become a factor and now it is likely one of the hottest issues to do in all the Bahamas.

I feel the actual star of this present although is the gorgeous pure fantastic thing about the pig’s Exuma Island dwelling. And there are actually Pig Seashores popping up all around the Bahama Islands in an effort to capitalize on this world-famous phenomenon. 

However there is just one REAL Pig Seashore and that’s on Large Main Cay, which is true subsequent door to Staniel Cay.

Greatest solution to see the Swimming Pigs within the Bahamas

There are a number of methods you are able to do a tour swimming pigs within the Exuma Islands. Listed here are the most well-liked tour operators and what they provide.

3 N’s Exuma Holidays Swimming with Pigs Tour

Our tour was with 3N’s Exuma Holidays, a premium four-hour tour that provides small group sizes, seven stops, and contains drink (even native Bahamian beer, Kalik), snacks, snorkel gear, seaside towels, and entrance charges and taxes. In addition they supply personal excursions.

3 N’s was the primary journey company in Staniel Cay and is rated #1 on TripAdvisor and holds a Badge of Excellence. With 3N’s, the tour will end on the Flying Pig Café on website on the Embrace Resort.

That is an all-woman and regionally owned company by a mother-daughter crew who had been each born and raised in Staniel Cay. 

3Ns is an acronym for the 3 generations of ladies, Nellie (the grandmother and inspiration), Nikki, (the mom and basis), and Natajia (the daughter and continuation). 

With 3N’s Swimming with Pigs tour you get a premium service with additional stops in comparison with most different excursions. Whereas we didn’t expertise every other tour operator, from our observations we felt we had been on among the finest excursions attributable to small group sizes, extra comfy boats, and premium service.

Listed here are the three excursions they run:

1. Group tour from Staniel Cay

One of the best ways to do the swimming with pigs tour is out of your lodging on Staniel Cay. This Cay is paradise – as are all of the Exuma Islands. In the event you’re coming all this fashion, why not spend an evening or two on the Cay? 

It’s a must to get the identical flight over anyway, and this fashion you may spend extra time enjoyable in paradise. 

These excursions begin at $300, and visitors of Embrace Resort obtain a 30% low cost for the tour. We stayed at Embrace Resort, which is owned by 3N’s Exuma Trip, who run the swimming with pigs’ tour.

2. Flying in from Nassau for the day

You’ll be able to be part of the 3N’s tour for a full-day journey from Nassau which features a 30-minute scenic flight to Staniel Cay, which is the place you’ll be part of the boat tour. 

The views from the airplane are spectacular – so I hope you could have nice climate.

That is the second-best possibility. When you arrive in Staniel Cay, you’ll be part of the group tour with these staying on the island and might be precisely the identical as I’ve outlined on this publish. On the time of writing (January 2023), this tour begins from $675.

3. Personal Tour

After all, the final word solution to see the pigs (in case your finances permits) could be on a personal tour with your individual boat. 

You should have the identical expertise however the luxurious of your individual private area and extra flexibility in your itinerary. The personal tour could be an incredible thought in case you have a big group touring collectively and will prevent cash.

Various: Velocity Boat tour from Nassau or Paradise Island

What in case you are coming in for the day from Nassau and don’t need to fly? We perceive that some individuals don’t have a number of time (or finances) within the Bahamas and should not have the ability to journey to Staniel Cay like us.

There may be an possibility to affix a swimming with pig tour on a velocity boat from Nassau. A number of vital issues to notice:

• It takes two-hours on a cramped boat simply to get to Pig Island. Due to this you solely get 10-Quarter-hour at 4 stops earlier than you could have the lengthy two-hour journey again. 
• If the climate is dangerous, they gained’t go due to uneven seas. However, in case you’re flying in, or staying on the island, they will wait till the climate passes (which is frequent within the Exumas).

Personally, I don’t assume it’s value doing such an enormous journey like this to see simply the pigs for a brief time frame, so don’t advocate it. Identical to I wouldn’t advocate individuals driving 4 hours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas for the day, simply to see it for 15-minutes!

However, if this works for you and you actually need to see the pigs, then go for it. It could be a extra reasonably priced possibility and I’m certain others have loved it.

Though I’ve not been to Nassau, I discovered the Exuma Islands spectacularly stunning and relaxed so would select having a trip right here as an alternative.

What to anticipate from a Swimming with Pigs Bahamas tour?

That is based mostly upon our expertise with the 3N’s Exuma Trip tour and our observations:

• You’ll get 25-minutes in any respect stops on the excursions and the order of stops is rarely set in stone. Your information will determine the place to go first taking into account tides and avoidance of crowds.
• Excursions depart as soon as all visitors flying in from Nassau arrive. Inclement climate may delay departure. However with the Exumas, the downpours usually don’t final lengthy. Have endurance, you’ll nonetheless get your four-hour, half-day tour irrespective of while you depart.
• Our information was wonderful at telling us earlier than the tour began, earlier than we jumped off the boat for every cease, and even whereas we had been having the expertise, easy methods to behave and look after the animals and keep away from getting bitten. I didn’t see anybody from our group behaving badly. Hearken to the information and look after the animals. In the event you get bitten, take into account what you had been doing that led to that.

• You’ll see we didn’t get any staged or unnatural selfies with the pigs. They had been transferring too rapidly in the hunt for meals, and I wasn’t about to harass a pig simply to get a conceit shot. The photographs we acquired had been all pure. If situations are completely different for you then go for it!
• As lifelong vacationers, we all know how disappointing it may be if the climate will not be blue skies and sunshine. However it could possibly’t be helped or managed. You’ll be able to nonetheless have a good time and get superior images.
• You’ll be able to feed the pigs, however not processed meals. You’ll be given fruit and greens, akin to apples, watermelon, carrots and many others. When feeding the pigs, maintain your hand out flat and be conscious of their chompers!

• Verify to see what your tour gives. You could have to convey your individual water or snacks – you will have a bit pick-me-up. And convey a towel! You’ll get moist. Our tour equipped all of this.
• Put on reef-safe suncream. Don’t spoil the pure fantastic thing about The Bahamas by sporting poisonous suncream that harms the fish. Attempt to put money into a reef-safe suncream earlier than you go.

Greatest Time to Go to the Bahamas to Swim with Pigs

In the event you’re planning forward and questioning when to suit this attraction into your Bahamas itinerary, then it would be best to plan your go to for exterior the hurricane season.

The hurricane season normally lasts from early June to late November, and typically into early December. Weirdly, Staniel Cay has by no means been hit by a significant hurricane, however that doesn’t imply it could possibly’t occur.

A great time to go to is the Spring. From April, the climate is at its mildest and you might be blessed with sunny skies. The height season runs from December till early April, so an excellent time to go to could be late April and Could, which is able to see fewer crowds and good climate.

Peak occasions are Christmas and New Yr, Spring Break, the 4th of July, Bahamian Independence Day, and the primary week in August. 

June and July are the busy excessive season.

The off-season is normally mid-August to mid-November, however understand that that is additionally the wet season.

Surprisingly, Staniel Cay is sweet to go to year-round, and we had beautiful 80F temps in January.

What Are The Boats Like?

The boats are fairly small to permit for straightforward navigation across the islands, seashores, sandbars, and tide modifications. 

Our boat with 3 N’s Exuma Holidays from Staniel Cay had comfy seating for the 13 of us on tour. Craig sat up the again behind the captain so we had extra room on the entrance and so he might take images. 

The fantastic thing about this pig’s tour is not only that Pig Island is simply 10-minutes-away, or the stops you make alongside the best way, however attending to the stops. You’ll cruise by gorgeous seashores, small islands, and spectacular views.

Lots of the cays you go by are privately owned, so take pleasure in a glimpse of huge mansions and pristine personal seashores.

Johnny Depp purchased his personal Exuma island after filming Pirates of the Caribbean and falling in love with it. My therapeutic massage appointment was postponed as a result of he saved our mutual therapeutic massage therapist for an extended appointment on his personal island!

Yep, we had been one diploma of separation from many well-known stars together with Michael Jordan, Pooh Bear, Paris Hilton, and Johnny Depp.

Embrace Resort might help you arrange a therapeutic massage from Khori at Illusions by the Sea – it was incredible.

Our Expertise Swimming with Pigs on Pig Island

Earlier than occurring this swimming with pigs tour on Pig Seashore, Kalyra was adamant she was not swimming with the pigs as they’re filthy – regardless of my protests that they had been really very clear animals.

However as quickly as we arrived, and she or he noticed these pigs swimming out to satisfy us, she was hooked and jumped straight within the water to spend time with them. She even cuddled and fed a piglet milk – given to her by one of many attendants.

For this reason we worth wildlife encounters – they might help us see the actual magnificence in animals and so do higher to assist shield them.

It’s about observing and genuinely connecting with the animals in a secure and loving means.

We couldn’t consider our luck once we arrived at an empty seaside and had the expertise with these pigs rising from their shady resting spot and swimming out to our boat. One even tried to climb into our boat.

We had a few minutes to take pleasure in their immense presence and humorous habits as they got here for his or her meals, remembering to place each fingers within the air and say, “No meals,” after they got here close to us eager to eat.

And like well-trained piggies, they’d quietly swim away till they discovered the meals they had been searching for. I left the feeding to the specialists, content material to simply watch and giggle at them.

I used to be shocked at how huge most of the pigs had been and what nice swimmers they had been. It may be unnerving while you see them come in the direction of you, particularly if their mouths are open.

In the event you observe the directions, they won’t damage you. Don’t scream or run, simply put your fingers up and say “no meals.”

Whereas I noticed most individuals behaving okay, I did see a couple of not eager about the pigs sufficient, just like the lady so targeted on getting the right pig selfie she refused to take heed to the PIGLET’S distressed squeals and put it down for about 20-minutes!

Or the girl screaming on the pig to ‘Go away, Go Away’ whereas wildly waving her fingers round… with a carrot in it. Or the individuals attempting to feed the piglets carrots when instructed to not! And – this was funnier – the younger male telling the pig to “Sit. Sit” prefer it was a canine.

“I’ll present you sit,” mentioned the piggy leaping at him with tooth bared to grab the carrot he was dangling above its head. He form of squealed, threw the carrot, and ran!

Typically, if anybody will get bitten, it’s as a result of they’ve made decisions like this. I used to be grateful for the preparation we had from Captain Dave earlier than getting within the water with them.

In the event you care concerning the pigs and observe the directions, you should have a beautiful time “swimming” with them. You’re probably not swimming with them – extra like wading in waist deep water – though in case you are lucky to get there with out different boats you possibly can swim with them.

One of many pigs pooped within the water close to us, however you may simply keep away from it. It’s all a part of the tour!

Fairly a couple of boats quickly got here in (the big velocity boats from Nassau with a number of individuals), which made the expertise really feel a bit extra chaotic and crowded. This is able to be the worth of a personal tour as you’d be higher in a position to keep away from the crowds.

We researched the swimming with pig tour rigorously earlier than doing it, noting some eco-warrior and animal-lover associates of ours who’ve additionally finished it.

The pigs are very nicely taken care of, extraordinarily well-fed, and get common veterinarian checks. They’ve a committee of locals who work to maintain them protected and on-site caretakers. They even get coconut oil rubbed on them to assist with solar publicity.

As they’re fed usually by vacationers who come to see them (wholesome meals pigs can eat) they pose no menace to the native wildlife as in any other case feral pigs would.

Different stops on the Swimming with Pigs Bahamas Tour

I discussed earlier that it’s not value doing a tour all the best way from Nassau on a velocity boat solely to swim with pigs. We cherished our tour with 3N’s Exuma Holidays as a result of we acquired to see different gems within the Bahamas too and spend an excellent period of time there!

Listed here are another stops on the swimming with pigs boat excursions.

Visiting The Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay

Our first cease on the tour was Bitter Guana Cay to go to the native iguanas basking within the solar on the seaside. Iguana Island is dwelling to the one remaining endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas on the earth. 

Whereas they haven’t any pure predators on the island, the iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay are endangered – their greatest menace being people. Though unlawful, the iguanas are sometimes hunted for human consumption. 

We had been so enamored by the few that greeted us as we jumped off the boat that I failed to note the scores of iguanas additional behind on rocks and camouflaged by the shrub-like atmosphere.

Their beautiful brown-ish pink our bodies rapidly waddled right down to the shore, checking us out with curious, red-rimmed eyes. 

As instructed, we saved our distance from the iguanas as we mentioned G’day, snapped images, and took in the great thing about their pristine atmosphere.

DO NOT feed the iguanas. It’s unlawful to take action and simply not good for them. They’re okay with you visiting, however in case you’re a human behaving badly, don’t be shocked in the event that they damage you.

This was our first have a look at the gorgeous seashores which are in abundance on the islands of the Exuma – glistening white sand, and shallow clear turquoise water excellent for swimming and snorkeling. 

Swimming with Sharks at Compass Cay

This was one other, “No means, I’m not doing that” wildlife expertise our daughters protested about. To be sincere, I didn’t assume I’d swim with sharks both.

Like many Gen X youngsters, I’ve feared sharks since watching Jaws as a younger youngster. They’ve all the time been a daunting enemy intent on just one factor – consuming people.

So, this up-close encounter helped us to see that this isn’t an correct portrayal. Actually, all of us commented on how a lot they reminded us of our valuable kittens – gently swimming previous and form of rubbing at your leg with their tails, hoping to be fed.

However not like kittens, they’re as tough as sandpaper, however nonetheless stunning to the touch as they swim by.

Once more, strict directions informed us easy methods to safely work together with them, with warnings to hold our fingers out of the water lest we wished them to be mistaken for fish meals and bitten. These are docile nurse sharks with tiny tooth (that may nonetheless do some harm).

The attendants present you easy methods to rigorously pet the sharks and likewise maintain them in case you like. This doesn’t damage the sharks and they’re rigorously monitored by attendants, however we selected to not maintain them simply in case.

Because it was low tide, we had been largely wading via the water as they swam round us. I used to be shocked that I didn’t really feel any concern in any respect. It was a beautiful expertise.

How did these sharks get right here? 

They had been initially introduced as pets, nevertheless, after gaining recognition via tourism, the Compass Cay Marina has turned the atmosphere right into a sanctuary for dozens of nurse sharks within the space.

Compass Cay Marina has one of many uncommon completely protected harbors within the Exumas. It’s a haven for boats, significantly huge yachts. Preserve an eye fixed out as Michael Jordan was close to right here just a few days earlier than us. 

Be aware: In the event you keep on Staniel Cay, it’s also possible to see a number of nurse sharks across the Yacht Membership marina. They feed off the scraps the fishermen throw in after cleansing their fish.

Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto

Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto was my favourite a part of the Swimming with Pigs tour. Not all excursions go right here, particularly these coming in from Nassau by boat for the day excursions.

I used to be not anticipating the wonder that lay beneath the water. The grotto was teeming with small striped Sergeant majors, yellow tail snappers, and angel fish swimming round us, and bright-colored coral on the seafloor and rock partitions.

With the sunshine coming via the cave from holes above and under beneath the water there have been various hues of blue underwater as nicely.

A rope guides you thru the small tunnels into the grotto the place you may snorkel. We snorkeled at many locations world wide, so I used to be shocked to see how pristine it was right here.

The timing right here is vital because it’s finest to enter the grotto at low tide.

Thunderball Grotto is positioned simply off Staniel Cay and is called after the James Bond film, Thunderball, which was filmed right here. Splash and Into the Blue additionally had scenes filmed right here.

Pipe Creek Sandbar

My different favourite a part of the Swimming with Pigs tour was our cease at Pipe Creek Sandbar.

I’ve not seen a spot as stunning since Whitehaven Seashore in Queensland. With its swirling colours of white sand and 50 shades of blue, it was similar to this protected and distant space of Australia that, like Pipe Creek, is simply accessible by boat.

Many individuals come right here to get married. I’d like to return with a picnic, an excellent e-book, and oodles of time to take a seat with the view.

Pipe Creek is claimed to be probably the most spectacular sandbars within the Exumas, presumably The Bahamas. You want low tide and a small boat to entry it.

On this cease, you get to stroll round, swim, and benefit from the heavenly views. 

Seeing the Sunken Airplane Wreck

Our final cease was to see a sunken airplane that crashed within the shallow waters right here within the 70s. It was a drug smuggler’s airplane that belonged to Pablo Escobar and the Colombian Cartel.

Legend has it the 2 pilots couldn’t escape the sunken airplane as a result of it was packed too tightly with marijuana and so died by drowning.

It is likely one of the most accessible underwater airplane shipwrecks in the whole world and is seen from above water. We didn’t cease for snorkeling, however I consider you may.

The ladies had been a bit freaked out when seeing this contemplating the small airplane flight to and from Staniel Cay, which they had been nervous about! However I’m comfortable to report they cherished the return flight to Nassau.

Lunch at The Flying Pig Café

In case you are doing the Swimming with Pigs tour with 3N’s Exuma Holidays, you’ll finish with lunch on the Flying Pig Café positioned within the Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay.

We ate on the Flying Pig each day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – throughout our four-night keep and cherished the freshness of the meals. 

Lunch is included within the tour and also you pre-order. Choices embrace:

1. Greek Salad
2. Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
3. Wings with fries
4. Fish Sandwich
5. Rooster, Bacon Soften

Our daughter cherished the hen bacon soften and ordered it a number of occasions. She mentioned it was the perfect she’s had. The wings had been scrumptious – we cherished the candy guava sauce, and the fish sandwich and Greek salad had been contemporary and yummy.

As that is peak time on the café, anticipate a wait in your meals. Sit within the solar – or at shaded tables – order a rum punch and luxuriate in enjoyable into Bahama time.

In case you are on a day journey from Nassau, somebody will stroll you over to the airport when it’s time in your flight to depart. In the event you’re staying right here, take pleasure in enjoyable on the resort or any of Staniel Cay’s stunning seashores.

The place To Keep in Staniel Cay: Embrace Resort

In case you are staying in Staniel Cay for the Swimming with Pigs tour, as an alternative of flying in from Nassau for the day, among the finest locations to remain on Staniel Cay is Embrace Resort.

Its reasonably priced luxurious with one to a few bedrooms, and totally furnished villas, a few of which include self-contained kitchens.

We cherished the relaxed, tropical vibe, pleasant service, and the additional facilities that included the onsite cafe, swimming pool, and golf automobile leases that can assist you get across the small island. 

Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Swimming with Pigs

Listed here are the solutions to some often requested questions on swimming with pigs Bahamas…

Remaining Ideas on Swimming with Pigs Bahamas  

So, there you could have it, that is every thing you should learn about swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. 

In the event you select the suitable your, you should have a beautiful expertise with the wildlife and be wowed by the spectacular fantastic thing about this space. We’ve got not been this impressed by seashores since we left our dwelling nation, six years in the past.

We had a blast on this tour. It was our favourite a part of our Staniel Cay trip, and we now have reminiscences to final a lifetime.

To essentially take this expertise to the subsequent degree, we do advocate staying longer within the Exuma Islands. Keep linked as we now have extra Exuma journey posts to return.

Don’t overlook journey insurance coverage, as you simply by no means know when you might want it.

We hope this information helped you to determine whether or not it’s the suitable Bahamas attraction for you and helped you get an thought of what to anticipate!

When you have any questions or feedback, please go away them under!