Deep in the turquoise waters of the Exuma Cays lies Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island that holds a distinction no other place on Earth can claim. This tiny Bahamian paradise is home to approximately 20 wild pigs who have mastered something extraordinary: they swim out to greet every boat that approaches their pristine shores.
While countless islands worldwide boast unique wildlife, only Big Major Cay offers visitors the surreal experience of swimming alongside friendly pigs in crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Located 80 miles southeast of Nassau, this remarkable destination has remained authentic precisely because of its remote location and boat-only access.
What makes this encounter truly special isn’t just the novelty—it’s witnessing wild animals who have chosen to interact with humans on their own terms, in their natural habitat, creating memories that challenge everything you thought you knew about island wildlife.
The exclusive swimming experience found nowhere else
Wild pigs who learned to love the ocean
These aren’t trained performers or captive animals. The pigs of Big Major Cay developed their swimming abilities naturally, likely motivated by freshwater springs on the island and curious attraction to boats. When visitors arrive, the pigs eagerly paddle out with surprising grace, their snouts held high above the gentle waves as they approach with genuine enthusiasm.
An encounter that redefines island wildlife experiences
Swimming with these intelligent creatures creates an intimacy impossible at traditional wildlife parks. The pigs display distinct personalities—some bold and playful, others more cautious but equally charming. Visitors often describe the experience as “magical beyond imagination,” watching piglets follow their mothers into deeper water while maintaining perfect buoyancy.
The mysterious origins that add to the legend
Local stories that fuel the island’s mystique
Residents from nearby Staniel Cay share the most widely accepted origin story: in the early 1990s, locals brought pigs to this uninhabited island to avoid complaints about odors, choosing the location so prevailing winds would carry scents away from populated areas. The pigs thrived in this pristine environment, establishing the world’s first swimming pig colony.
Alternative theories that capture imaginations
Other compelling narratives suggest sailors left the pigs for later retrieval, shipwreck survivors swam ashore, or entrepreneurs deliberately created this unique attraction. Regardless of their true origins, these pigs have created something unprecedented: a natural phenomenon that exists nowhere else globally.
The authentic Exuma experience beyond the pigs
Pristine waters and untouched natural beauty
Big Major Cay sits within the spectacular Exuma Cays, a chain of over 360 islands offering some of the Caribbean’s clearest waters. The surrounding coral reefs create perfect snorkeling conditions, while sandbars appear and disappear with the tides, creating ever-changing landscapes of stunning natural beauty.
Complementary wildlife encounters nearby
The swimming pig experience pairs perfectly with visits to Compass Cay’s friendly nurse sharks and Bitter Guana Cay’s endangered Bahamas Rock Iguanas. These boat-accessible attractions create comprehensive wildlife tours impossible to replicate elsewhere, each offering unique interactions with creatures found only in these protected Exuma waters.
The responsible approach to visiting this natural wonder
Conservation efforts protecting the colony
Local communities and tour operators have implemented careful protocols to ensure the pigs’ wellbeing. Visitors receive guidance on appropriate interactions, proper feeding practices, and maintaining respectful distances that allow the animals to remain wild while enjoying human contact on their terms.
Supporting sustainable tourism practices
The swimming pigs have become ambassadors for Exuma conservation efforts, demonstrating how unique wildlife experiences can coexist with environmental protection. Revenue from responsible tourism helps fund ongoing research and habitat preservation throughout the Exuma Cays marine protected areas.
Big Major Cay proves that some experiences truly cannot be replicated anywhere else on Earth. These swimming pigs offer visitors something increasingly rare in our connected world: a genuine surprise that exceeds every expectation while remaining completely authentic.
For travelers seeking encounters that exist nowhere else, this tiny Bahamian island delivers an experience so unique it borders on the impossible, yet remains beautifully, remarkably real.