Welcome to Pig Island… Where all pigs go to heaven.
What started out as five baby piglets (four females and one lucky male) in the early 90s, is now the enduring reason why millions of tourists flock to the Bahamas annually, for a bit of pig-cuddling therapy.
In the middle of paradise, with billionaires and celebrities for neighbors, is an island populated only by swimming pigs. For decades, this archipelago of 365 islands would remain largely unknown to the world.
It would not be a ruthless pirate, pioneering loyalists, a notorious drug kingpin, or the infamous Fyre Festival that would unveil Exuma to the world, but rather the most unlikely of creatures.
Appearing in magazines, videos, newspapers, commercials, TV shows, and countless selfies, the Swimming Pigs of Exuma, in the Bahamas, have become a bucket-list sensation and have been named one of the marvels of the universe.
You’ll be struck with the feeling that you’re the first to discover this remarkable corner of the planet.
Here it’s iguana tails, not human footprints, that leave marks in the sand, and stumbling upon a gleaming pink conch shell the size of your head is as common as having a new shade of blue catch your eye each time you survey the surrounding waters.
The locals at Big Major’s “Pig Beach” are transplants rather than native islanders, just like many of the people you’ll meet in the area.
And though they’ve clearly taken to their tropical digs and rising popularity — spurred in part by a dramatic appearance on “The Bachelor” and more than a few well-liked Instagram posts — the rewards of fame (read: free food) have come at a cost.
Here’s what we learned on a recent visit, including how to get there, what to expect, where to stay, and, of course, how to responsibly interact with the animals.
SWIM WITH PIGS IN PARADISE TOUR TICKETS
The closest island to the swimming pigs is
Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is an island located in The Exuma Cays, a district of The Bahamas. Staniel Cay is located roughly 120 km south of Nassau and 400 km southeast of Florida. The island has a population of less than 118 full-time residents and has an area of less than 5 km
How to get to Staniel Cay
Fly across the aqua blue waters of the Bahamas directly into Staniel Cay from Ft. Lauderdale! Staniel Cay is accessible by boat, regularly scheduled flights, charter airplanes and private planes. For scheduled flights and charter services, Staniel Cay recommends Makers Air.
Or From Florida, the easiest way to get to Staniel Cay is to take Makers Air or Staniel Air flight from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The cost of a round-trip ticket is around $650. Another option is to fly to Nassau and then from Nassau to Staniel Cay via Flamingo Air or Titan Air.
How to get to the Piggies From Staniel Cay
A Staniel Cay boat rental will allow you to explore fascinating destinations such as the Exuma Pigs., just 10 minutes away. As your speedboat pulls into the bay, dozens of Exuma Pigs will swim out to meet you in the hopes that you brought them something to eat. These Staniel Cay pigs alone make all flights to Bahamas worthwhile, as long as you ensure that you visit them.