This uninhabited Caribbean island where wild pigs swim through crystal-clear turquoise water sounds impossible until you see pink snouts paddling toward your boat. Big Major Cay in the Bahamas breaks every expectation about wildlife encounters. The famous swimming pigs of Pig Beach have turned an empty stretch of white sand into one of the world’s most joyfully surreal destinations.
The phenomenon unfolds in the Exuma Cays, 80 miles southeast of Nassau. These 365 islands create a chain of aquamarine perfection through the Caribbean.
Where farm animals became Caribbean wildlife
Big Major Cay sits completely uninhabited in the middle of the Exuma chain. No restaurants, no hotels, no residents live on this 350-acre island. Only the pigs call it home.
The nearest civilization exists on Staniel Cay, just 0.75 miles away. This tiny inhabited island serves as the gateway to Pig Beach. Staniel Cay Airport (TYM) receives daily flights from Nassau and Miami.
The water surrounding Big Major Cay creates the perfect swimming environment. Shallow protected coves keep temperatures between 78-85°F year-round. White coral sand reflects sunlight upward, creating that famous turquoise glow Instagram loves.
The pigs that broke the internet
Nobody knows exactly how pigs arrived on this remote island. Local stories suggest sailors left them here planning to return for dinner. Others believe they swam ashore from shipwrecks decades ago.
How they learned to swim
These aren’t ordinary farm pigs anymore. The population has adapted to island life over generations. They paddle hundreds of feet into open water when boats appear. Their swimming technique resembles doggy paddle mixed with determination.
Fresh water doesn’t exist naturally on the island. Local caretakers arrive daily with food and drinking water to maintain the pigs’ health.
What happens when you visit
Boats approach the shallow bay around Big Major Cay. Pink and spotted pigs emerge from palm tree shade, wading into knee-deep water. They swim directly toward visitors with surprising grace and speed.
Tour operators provide appropriate pig food. Feeding guidelines protect both animals and humans. The pigs show no aggression, only enthusiastic appetites and curiosity about newcomers.
The water that makes this possible
The Exuma Cays create ideal conditions for this unlikely wildlife encounter. Protected from Atlantic swells, the water stays calm most days. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet underwater.
Why this beach works perfectly
Big Major Cay’s geography creates natural swimming pools. The island curves into a horseshoe shape, protecting the main beach from waves and currents. Sand stays powder-soft underfoot.
Morning light transforms the water into liquid gemstones. Temperatures hover around 80°F, comfortable for both pigs and people. The shallow depth means even nervous swimmers can stand while pigs paddle around them.
Beyond the swimming pigs
Most tours combine Pig Beach with nearby attractions. Thunderball Grotto offers snorkeling through underwater caves. Compass Cay provides safe swimming with nurse sharks.
The wreckage of a plane crashed in the 1980s creates another snorkeling site. Crystal-clear water reveals every detail of the submerged aircraft.
The feeling of swimming alongside them
Nothing prepares you for the moment when a pig paddles up and nudges your arm. The absurdity hits first, followed by pure delight. These aren’t zoo animals behind barriers.
The tropical sun warms your shoulders while cool water laps around your waist. Pigs snort and splash nearby, completely comfortable with human visitors. The pristine beach setting amplifies the dreamlike quality.
Morning visits offer the most magical experience. Fewer boats means more personal interaction with the pigs. Early light creates perfect photography conditions across the turquoise water.
Your questions about Pig Beach answered
How do you actually get there?
Fly from Nassau or Miami to Staniel Cay Airport (TYM). One-way flights cost $150-250. From Staniel Cay Marina, boat tours to Pig Beach cost $175-675 depending on group size and inclusions.
Full-day tours from Nassau average $260-675 per person. Private charters offer more intimate experiences starting at $999 for four people.
When should you visit?
December through April provides the best conditions. Calm seas and temperatures between 70-81°F create comfortable swimming weather. Early morning tours (7-9am) avoid midday crowds and harsh sunlight.
Hurricane season runs June through November. Weather cancellations increase during these months, though many tours still operate successfully.
Is this ethical for the animals?
The pig population thrives naturally on Big Major Cay. No captivity or artificial breeding occurs. Local caretakers monitor their health and provide supplemental fresh water daily.
Visitor guidelines protect pig welfare. Tour operators educate guests about appropriate interaction. The pigs show no stress behaviors and actively seek human contact.
Gentle waves lap the white sand as pigs retreat to palm tree shade for afternoon naps. The morning’s visitors have departed, leaving only footprints and satisfied squeals echoing across the turquoise water.