Swim With The Pigs in The Amazing Bahamas

You float across the shimmering waters of Exuma’s 365 cays and islands, and the view reminds you that things just can’t get any better.

–

Like the ice in your crisp and cool tropical beverage, your heart begins to melt.

But as your boat approaches Big Major Cay, you’re awoken from this daydream by some rather boorish inhabitants

–

Loud, snorting pigs paddling out to greet you like a jolly bunch of golden retrievers rushing to the door when their owner finally gets home from a long day of work.

–

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.

REVIEW OF ATLANTIS PARADISE RESORT BAHAMAS RESORT 1/2 PRICE SALE GOING ON NOW UNTILL 4/30/2020 TRAVEL ANYTIME UNTILL 4/30/2121 – BOOK NOW!

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.

REVIEW OF ATLANTIS PARADISE RESORT BAHAMAS RESORT 1/2 PRICE SALE GOING ON NOW UNTILL 4/30/2020 TRAVEL ANYTIME UNTILL 4/30/2121 – BOOK NOW!

–

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