Visitors to the islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience to swim with the pigs on the uninhabited Island of Big Major Cay, which is home to these special creatures. The swimming pigs join the vast opportunities of aquatic activities already popular with visitors from snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles to shark and eel sightings to scuba diving.
The family of pigs, dubbed ‘adorable’ by tourists, locals and media, reside on Big Major Cay, located in The Exumas, a family of 360 islands, or cays, in The Bahamas. They have become incredibly popular to Bahamians and visitors alike. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of almond trees to greet tourists that bring them treats. They’ve also learned that crews from passing yachts will dump excess food in the sea for them as well. The pigs live freely on the sandy beaches and after basking in the sun for hours, swim in the surf. They are truly a sight to behold and have become so popular that they’ve inspired a children’s book, “The Secret of Pig’s Island,” by author Jennifer R. Nolan and a children’s song by children’s author Sandra Boynton, as well as having the uninhabited island affectionately called, ‘Pig Beach.’
It is unknown how this pack of pigs originally came to live on Big Major Cay as they aren’t native and the island itself is uninhabited. Popular lore suggests that the pigs were dropped off by a group of sailors who wanted to come back and cook them, or that there was a nearby shipwreck and the pigs swam to safety. However it was that they came to be, there are approximately 20 pigs or piglets now who are able to easily survive in part as Big Major Cay is blessed with three freshwater springs for them to drink from as well as the generosity of Bahamians and tourists feeding them.
“As a world-renowned region known for providing visitors with the most beautiful beaches, lavish hotels and resorts, fine-dining, welcoming Bahamians and being a dream destination, The Islands Of The Bahamas are very proud to be the Official Home of the Swimming Pigs,” said the Director General of The Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu. “Providing visitors with this once-in-a-lifetime experience by interacting with these wonderful animals is just one more thing that distinguishes The Bahamas. We’ve already introduced thousands of visitors to ‘Pig Beach’ and we look forward to welcoming thousands more in the years to come. These animals are now as intrinsic to the Bahamian experience as any other gem visitors will discover when visiting,” she concluded.
Visitors can book their visit to Big Major Cay for their opportunity to swim with the pigs through a variety of excursion vendors on The Islands. Guests staying at Royal Plantation Island, at Fowl Cay can take a boat directly to the island. From mainland Exuma there are various boat excursions to satisfy every individuals cruising desires. The three main excursion companies are: Staniel Cay Area Boat Tours, Four C Adventures, and Exuma Cay Adventures. More information regarding the available excursions can be found by visiting Bahamas.com.
