Caribbean bloggers |
Where pigs control the coastline.
Imagine this. You sit at your desk, dream of a warm escape, come across something that sounds strange enough to be true, and you come across an island where pigs swim in the ocean and live their best life in the sun. It may sound like a quirky sitcom plotline, but it’s 100% realistic. Welcome to Pig Beach where locals have noses, curly hair and impressive backstrokes.
The pig beach is located on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island of Exacey, a stunning chain of over 300 islands in the Bahamas. Also known as Major Cay or Pig Island, this tropical front post is home to around 20 pigs and piglets who have become world’s Instagram celebrity, delighting visitors with their unexpected charm and love for the ocean.
How did the pig end in paradise?
The origins of the pig beach are like a local mystery. One theory suggests that pigs were left behind by the seafarers who had planned to return them and cook them, but never regain them. Another story claims they swam on land after surviving the wreck. There is also the idea that they were deliberately placed there as part of a tourism plan. Or perhaps they decided to escape from a nearby island and start their own poky utopia.
Regardless of how they get there, the pigs are well adapted. The island has three natural freshwater springs, and pigs are regularly supplied by locals and tourists. Their diet now includes everything from fruits and vegetables to the occasional treats brought by visiting boats. Don’t try and eat snacks you’re holding in your hand, unless you’re OK with a frenzy of nibbing.
Experience: Swim, snorkel, take photos (carefully)
Yes, you can swim with the pigs! Visitors can approach them on a boat, walk into the water, and interact with these amazingly sociable animals. It’s a surreal and fun experience – can other parts of the world say you’re swimming with a piglet from Crystal Clearwaters?
But be careful. These are not domesticated pets. They are semi-wild animals used for human interaction, but they are still unpredictable. As travel blogger Angie Orth warns, “Pigs are very clever and cute, but their bites can be serious. If you try to take a selfie, they may think your camera is food!”
How to get there: Staniel Kay is your gateway
To visit Pig Beach, your best bet is to stay on Staniel Cay, an island just a 10-minute boat ride from Big Major Cay. It’s small and charming, with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a marina, several boutique hotels, a small runway.
Angie Orth recommends Staniel Kaye hugging the resort and suggests renting a boat or hiring a local guide. “This is the easiest and most scenic way to get to the pig beach,” she says. “And the view along the way is just as incredible as the pig itself.”
Why do you remember this trip forever?
Pig beaches aren’t just quirky destinations. It’s waiting for a once-in-a-lifetime story to come. From the moment you first see a group of nose pigs paddling towards your boat, you know that you’re not on a normal holiday.
One visitor to Marissa, who is from Toronto, said, “I thought it was just a gimmick, but seeing them swimming towards us like a tiny sea puppy made me crazy.
Another traveler, Jake, from Austin, said, “It’s surreal. I’ve traveled to a lot of tropical places, but didn’t prepare me for a beach full of actually swimming pigs. It’s unrealistic and honestly, magical.”
Final Tips for a Happy Visit
- Do not bring junk food – stick to fruit and approved snacks.
- Avoid offensive selfies. Use a zoom lens instead.
- Don’t chase or drive animals down – they need their own space.
- Respect the environment – no trash left.
- As one local guide said, “This is their island. We are lucky enough to visit.”
So, next time you’re daydreaming at your desk, remember: if a pig can swim in the Bahamas, you can do so too.
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Details of Exuma Bahamas.
tour? You can book a variety of tours about the Bahamas here.
Where will you stay? How about the beach villas? How about saffron house exa?
About the publisher
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