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As you float throughout the shimmering waters of The Bahamas, previous unique islands and cays, the view itself will communicate of paradise. Just like the ice in your crisp and funky tropical beverage, your coronary heart begins to soften.
Your boat approaches an ivory-white seaside, and 20-something cute pigs and piglets swiftly make their strategy to you for a playful encounter within the shallow waters.
Welcome to Pig Island… The place all pigs go to heaven.
What began out as 5 child piglets (4 females and one fortunate male) within the early 90s, is now the enduring cause why thousands and thousands of vacationers flock to the Bahamas yearly for a little bit of pig-cuddling remedy.
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
All about the ‘Beach Babes’
Where and how to visit the original swimming pigs
Getting to Pig Island from Exuma
Getting to Pig Island from Nassau
Other beaches with swimming pigs in The Bahamas
The best time to go swimming with the pigs
Packing for your swimming pigs adventure
Tips for interactiong with the swimming pigs
FAQs about swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas
All in regards to the ‘Seaside Babes’ of Huge Main Cay
As you’ll anticipate with creatures so wildly cute, the well-known swimming pigs of The Bahamas have gained a lot web fame over time. These pigs reside on numerous islands on this territory together with Eleuthera, Rose Island, Abaco, and Ship Channel Cay, however the principle island the place yow will discover swimming pigs in The Bahamas is Huge Main Cay. The pigs on Huge Main Cay (Pig Island) are thought of the ‘authentic swimming pigs’ of The Bahamas. There are about 20 pigs on this island and piglets as effectively.
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Relying on whom you ask, you would possibly hear tales about how the pigs had been delivered to The Bahamas by sailors (or presumably even hungry pirates!). Some tales recommend that they swam to The Bahamas from a close-by shipwreck. Probably the most widespread native legends revolves round a person named Wayde Nixon who is alleged to have introduced the pigs to the islands together with enterprise companion Don Rolle. Their intention? To start out a pig farm within the Nineteen Nineties. Serving to to create a sustainable meals provide may have been their goal.
What it’s good to know forward of a visit to Huge Main Cay is that sure, the piggiess can truly swim. Added to that, the pigs swim as much as your boat when you arrive on the island. On Huge Main Cay, piglets are thought to presumably outnumber the hogs with a ratio of about 2:1!
Why you’ll love the swimming pigs of The Bahamas
The well-known pigs of Pig Island are wild, but they are often playful, cute, and hungry! They love the truth that guests to this island generally come bearing presents (meals!) although there could quickly be some restrictions applied relating to who can feed the pigs, and when (extra particulars later). When it comes to the place you may need seen the pigs prior to now, they made an look on The Bachelor TV present that was fairly memorable!
Visiting Pig Seaside: Greatest methods to journey to Huge Main Cay
The unique swimming pigs of The Bahamas dwell on Huge Main Cay. The closest inhabited island to this one is Great Exuma, however you’ll have to get there by boat. If you wish to catch a ship to Huge Main Cay from Nice Exuma or Nassau, you’ll both have to guide a tour, constitution your individual boat or catch a experience with a buddy who owns one. You may also hire a ship and take your self to Pig Island for about $250 USD per day. Renting a ship may be value it since you’ll have the liberty to go to different islands within the space as effectively. If you happen to hire a ship, contemplate hiring a tour information who might help you navigate this expertise.
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Listed below are some extra particulars on the gap from Nassau (New Windfall) and George City (Exuma) to Pig Island:
● 82 miles from Nassau (132 km) = 2-3-hour boat experience to the SE
● 50 miles from George City (80 km) = 2-hour boat experience to the NW
Skilled tip: It takes much less time to get to Huge Main Cay from Exuma than from New Windfall (Nassau). You’ll be able to keep at and guide your tour from adults-only resorts in Exuma to save lots of on journey time. Excursions can be found each day.
Touring to Pig Island from the Exuma Cays
You will get to Pig Island from Exuma pretty simply. There are numerous methods to take action together with by aircraft and by boat. If you happen to fly to Exuma from New Windfall, you’ll nonetheless have to take a ship to Pig Island when you arrive. Varied tour firms could have totally different costs for this tour. Listed below are some extra particulars on attending to Pig Island from Exuma:
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● Go on a one-day tour from Sandals Emerald Bay – (Exuma Cays Swimming Pigs Adventure). This tour leaves from the foyer of Sandals Emerald Bay and consists of cruising across the Exuma Cays, snorkeling, interacting with swimming pigs and endangered iguanas, and having fun with a number of snacks and drinks alongside the way in which.
● Go by aircraft from Nice Exuma – It’s potential to fly to a nearer level in Exuma to facilitate your swimming pigs tour. The most suitable choice shall be to land in Staniel Cay after which hop on a ship to Pig Island. FlamingoAir/Bahamasair can take you to Staniel Cay. Keep in mind {that a} passport is important for guests to guide home flights in The Bahamas.
Insider tip: Sandals Emerald Bay is a good possibility if you wish to do thrilling excursions and excursions in The Bahamas together with visiting Pig Island. Not solely will you be capable of guide your tour simply out of your resort, however you may also take pleasure in high-quality inclusions in an opulent environment.
Touring to Pig Island from Nassau
Whereas Exuma is the closest island to the very best swimming pigs excursions in The Bahamas, it isn’t onerous to plan a visit to Pig Island from Nassau. Pig Seaside is situated southeast of Nassau and it takes about 3 hours to journey from island to island. Listed below are just a few day journey choices for this expertise from Nassau:
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● Go on a one-day journey by aircraft to Huge Main Cay from Nassau – (Nassau to Exuma Day Trip Swimming Pigs). You’ll arrive both at Staniel Cay, Black Level, or Farmers Cay. The closest choice to fly into is Staniel Cay. This will value round $135-$250 USD a seat.
● Go on a one-day journey by energy boat to Huge Main Cay from Nassau – This shall be a scenic possibility and a few energy boat excursions embody the possibility to feed stingrays and see sharks up shut, along with assembly the pigs.
Skilled tip: If you happen to’re staying at all-inclusive resorts in Nassau like Sandals Royal Bahamian, you possibly can guide your swimming pigs tour by the resort. Most excursions and excursions booked by the resort embody choose up and drop off again to the resort.
The place else are you able to go to swimming pigs in The Bahamas?
Swimming with pigs may be simply the motivation you wanted to plan some island-hopping in The Bahamas. There are just a few different islands in The Bahamas the place you are more likely to discover swimming pigs. These embody Eleuthera, Rose Island, Ship Channel Cay, and No Title Cay, Abaco. Following within the successes of the unique swimming pigs excursions, the next islands provide related experiences the place guests can get shut to those wild animals:
Meeks Patch Island, Eleuthera
How you can get there: From Nassau, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Meeks Patch Island in North Eleuthera when touring by boat.
Taking a day journey to Eleuthera is a good way to expertise swimming pigs in The Bahamas. Eleuthera is well-known for its pink sand seashores, and for being one of many few Caribbean surfing destinations in The Bahamas. The tiny island of Meeks Patch Island in northern Eleuthera is dwelling to swimming pigs, geese, and even a turkey! Excursions just like the Eleuthera Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling Experience provide the alternative to see these pleasant pigs on Meeks Patch Island, plus Rose Island (which has its personal pigs!), and Inexperienced Cay the place you possibly can snorkel with attractive inexperienced turtles within the wild.
Rose Island
How you can get there: You’ll be able to take a 25-minute boat experience from both Nassau or Paradise Island to get to Rose Island.
Rose Island may be visited as a part of a day journey, and there are swimming pigs on this island which can be enjoyable to be round as effectively. There are 9 pigs on Rose Island, particularly: Babe, Wilbur, Pumba, Larry, Curly, Mo, Ginger, Pepper, and Spice. A tour to see the pigs on Rose Island can embody snorkeling, lunch, and extra.
Skilled tip: The Rose Island Reef is among the best places to go snorkeling in The Bahamas. You’ll be able to mix your swimming pigs journey with an underwater expertise at this thriving reef.
Ship Channel Cay
How you can get there: A ship journey is the easiest way to get to Ship Channel Cay. It will possibly take about an hour (varies) to get from New Windfall to Ship Channel Cay.
You’ll be able to go to Ship Channel Cay by way of powerboat tour whereas in The Bahamas. Normally, these excursions are day journeys. Ship Channel Cay is sort of small at round two miles lengthy and half a mile huge. Like different swimming with the pigs experiences in The Bahamas, the one in Ship Channel Cay will assist you to get some actually cool (and extremely Instagramable) trip photographs!
No Title Cay, Abaco
How you can get there: You’ll be able to hire a automotive to get to Treasure Cay in Abaco for this tour or you possibly can constitution a ship from Marsh Harbour, which tends to be a bit extra expensive (round $800 USD).
The swimming pigs on this stunning island should not as well-known as their cousins on Huge Main Cay, nevertheless it’s enjoyable to take a day journey from Treasure Cay to No Title Cay to see them. A tour from Treasure Cay to see the swimming pigs begins at round $55 USD per individual.
Dove Cay, Lengthy Island
How you can get there: You will get from Nassau to Lengthy Island by way of boat or aircraft. It will possibly take round 1 hour and 26 minutes to get there by boat. Dove Cay is simply minutes from Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos) by boat.
A number of swimming pigs have been noticed in Dove Cay, Lengthy Island in current occasions. Dove Cay is in northwest Lengthy Island. One other place the place yow will discover swimming pigs is on Sandy Cay, which is in the midst of Lengthy Island on the western aspect. Sandy Cay is a non-public island so that you’ll want an accepted tour boat to take you there. The pigs on each of those islands are thought to have been introduced there from Huge Main Cay.
Greatest time to journey to swim with pigs in The Bahamas
Typically, the very best time to go to The Bahamas is between mid-December to mid-April. That is additionally the very best time to go swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. Since that is the height journey season for The Bahamas, you’re extra more likely to discover a tour you’ll take pleasure in to go to the swimming pigs. Nonetheless, chances are you’ll discover that June-November is much less busy as a result of it’s hurricane season on the island. Whereas you’ll take an opportunity with the climate, chances are you’ll discover that the island is considerably much less crowded throughout these months.
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When it comes to the very best days/occasions to swim with the pigs, you would possibly contemplate going as early as potential on any day of the week that fits you. Because of this it is smart to join an early tour to Huge Main Cay, however it’s also a good suggestion to go early for those who’ll be taking your individual boat. The latter possibility (taking your individual boat) could quickly be prohibited as a result of altering rules from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Sources in The Bahamas, so it is a good suggestion to confirm earlier than you go.
Remember the fact that for those who go to Pig Island round lunchtime or late afternoon, you are more likely to discover the pigs resting on the seaside after having their fill of meals.
What to pack in your Swimming with Pigs tour
If you happen to’re planning on visiting Huge Main Cay to see the swimming pigs throughout your trip, there are some things you would possibly need to convey alongside in your tour. We’ve listed just a few of an important:
● Towel & change of garments – Stroll with a towel and a change of garments so you possibly can dry off and alter when you’re carried out having fun with the water.
● Swimsuit – If you happen to’re headed to Pig Island, chances are high that you simply’re going to get moist. There are some very nice seashores on this island, so stroll with or put on a swimsuit.
● Digicam – You’ll have loads of photograph ops throughout this tour so be certain to be ready. When you have a water-resistant digicam, this may be a very good alternative to place it to make use of.
● Money – Carry a small amount of money with you on this tour. Round $50 USD or BSD ought to suffice, ideally in smaller payments. Each U.S. and Bahamian currencies are accepted.
● Sunscreen – As with all boat excursions in The Bahamas, you’ll need to apply loads of sunscreen forward of time. This tour consists of a number of sunshine so you’ll want to convey sufficient for reapplications, particularly for those who plan on entering into the water.
● Water sneakers – These will come in useful when strolling across the island and significantly for those who select to get into the water to see the pigs up shut.
● Insect repellent – Maintain secure from bug bites by packing some repellant and bringing it together with you in your tour to Pig Island.
● Don’t put on costly jewellery – You would possibly need to contemplate leaving your extra pricy jewellery behind or not carrying any jewellery in any respect throughout this and different excursions in The Bahamas as these things can simply get misplaced. Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas have rooms and suites that include their very own safes the place you possibly can retailer your valuables throughout your trip.
Security ideas when interacting with the swimming pigs
First issues first, let’s discuss petting the pigs. On Pig Island, you’ll typically be allowed to pet the pigs however, as with most excursions that embody animals, you’ll want to make use of your discretion too. It is very important respect the animals and be form to them in order that they return the favor. All the time be cautious when approaching the animals, and particularly when dealing with them. Be considerate and accountable with all your actions.
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It’s not really useful that you simply deal with the piglets. They may squeal for those who choose them up, which could startle you and trigger you to drop them. The identical goes for the older pigs (dealing with), and it’s also not really useful that you simply attempt to “experience” the hogs. General, when interacting with the pigs, regulate them always.
Feeding the pigs
There have been some points with guests to the island feeding the pigs prior to now, so the Bahamian Minister of Agriculture and Marine Sources has hinted that this allowance would possibly change sooner or later. In the intervening time and for the well-being of the animals, that is what you want to remember when feeding the pigs on Pig Island:
● Be additional cautious – If you happen to flip your again on the pigs they could assume you are ignoring them and nip you to get your consideration. Maintain your eyes on the animals, and in the event that they method you considering you may have meals once you don’t, present them your open palms in order that they perceive that you simply don’t.
● Study in regards to the really useful meals – If you happen to plan on feeding the pigs, remember the fact that the pigs eat pitted fruit and veggies, lettuce, carrots, watermelon, apples, and freshwater. Their provide of contemporary water on the island is proscribed and generally even dries up. Water is at all times welcome!
● Don’t feed the pigs in case you are scared – Plain and easy, it is a no-no. The pigs are fairly massive, and it’s potential that they could attempt to chase you for those who’re carrying meals. If you’re terrified of the pigs, don’t stroll onto the seaside with any meals in any respect.
● Don’t feed the pigs on the sand – It isn’t really useful that you simply feed the pigs on the sand. The popular possibility is to feed them within the water after they come swimming as much as your boat. Feeding the pigs on the sand may end up in them ingesting an excessive amount of sand, which isn’t good for them. If you happen to’re unsure, decide out of feeding the pigs altogether.
Potential modifications forward for feeding the pigs on Pig Island
Relating to feeding the pigs, you will need to word that they’re completely capable of finding their very own meals on the island with out being fed by guests — they’ve carried out this for a few years. When it comes to the potential modifications in the case of feeding the pigs, the related authorities have proposed {that a} warden would possibly quickly be posted on the seaside and boundary strains laid out. Because of this guests could solely be capable of view the pigs, however not feed them. It isn’t clear when these modifications will take impact. Sooner or later, visits to Pig Island may be restricted for the security of the pigs and the preservation of the final space.
Different considerations at present additionally embody the domestication of the pigs, which as soon as lived primarily within the small forest sections on Pig Island. With the massive numbers of holiday makers coming to see them by boat, the pigs have gravitated in direction of the seaside over time, which isn’t their pure habitat. This has had penalties. Fortuitously, conversations are already being had on measures that may be put in place to guard the pigs but nonetheless enable guests on a smaller scale.
Different excursions to guide together with your Swimming Pigs Tour
There are just a few excursions that you are able to do in The Bahamas that won’t solely allow you to see the swimming pigs but additionally tie in different nature-oriented excursions. This consists of excursions to see the rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay, visits to Thunderball Grotto (made well-known by James Bond), and to the Exuma Sand Bars at Pipe Cay.
You may also do mixture excursions of Huge Main Cay and Compass Cay (swimming with nurse sharks) or Huge Main Cay and the Pablo Escobar sunken drug aircraft tour. Moreover, the close by Staniel Cay Yacht Membership is the proper place to cease off for lunch or dinner.
If you wish to go to extra Bahamian animals throughout your journey, you may also cease by West Bay Adventures to snorkle with sea turtles. Although this vacation spot is just a little removed from Pig Island, it’s nonetheless a fantastic vacation spot in your Bahamian trip.
Skilled tip: There’s heaps extra things to do in Exuma apart from swimming with pigs. Take a look at these superior actions you possibly can attempt whilst you’re within the space!
FAQs about swimming with pigs in The Bahamas
When do pig seaside excursions usually run in The Bahamas?
Boats and excursions in The Bahamas usually function between the hours of 8 AM/9 AM native time (morning), and 5 PM (sundown).
How a lot does a day tour value for Pig Island? Are you able to pay in USD?
A tour to see the swimming pigs in The Bahamas can value wherever from $160 to 210 USD per individual. The worth of this tour varies based mostly on the tour operator, so it’s a good suggestion to buy round earlier than choosing the right one for you.
It’s potential to pay for excursions in The Bahamas utilizing U.S. {dollars} (USD). Although the principle foreign money of those islands is the Bahamian Greenback, USD is extensively accepted.
How lengthy do swimming pig excursions normally take?
Most excursions are round 4 hours although some may be kind of. Journey time is normally not included on this calculation. The length of your tour will rely upon whether or not you join a half or full-day tour, and the kind of tour/tour you’ll be occurring. Some adventures span for a complete day, whereas there are shorter choices that final just some hours.
Do you need to get within the water to work together with the swimming pigs?
No, it isn’t a should that you simply get moist to work together with the swimming pigs in The Bahamas. You might be able to work together with the pigs proper from the boat as they have a tendency to swim out to fulfill arriving boats. With that stated, some individuals select to get off the boat and make their strategy to the island when the boat will get shut sufficient to shore. If you happen to select to take action, you’ll probably get moist within the course of!
What are the assorted kinds of swimming pigs excursions obtainable in The Bahamas?
There are various several types of excursions obtainable in The Bahamas together with energy boat journeys, catamaran cruise journeys, one-day excursions with flights to the assorted islands, and a variety of excursions and excursions, lots of which embody transportation out of your resort to the attraction and again.
Who ought to keep away from the Pig Island tour?
For security causes, the Swimming with the Pigs tour shouldn’t be really useful for girls who’re pregnant, people who’re bodily challenged, individuals with again issues or who’ve had current again surgical procedure, anybody who’s bodily handicapped, and individuals who get seasick simply.
Is Pig Island/Huge Main Cay inhabited by people?
Huge Main Cay is not inhabited by people. This island is among the many uninhabited islands of The Bahamas and it’s primarily used for excursions.
Are you able to keep in a single day on Huge Main Cay?
It’s not potential presently to in a single day on Huge Main Cay as a part of a tour. Most excursions simply spend just a few hours on the island after which return to the mainland. There aren’t any amenities right here at present that might make it potential to in a single day on the island.
What’s there to see on Huge Main Cay apart from pigs?
The pigs on Huge Main Cay are a big a part of the attraction, however that is additionally fairly a stunning island with pristine white sand seashores and a small forest. Even for those who go there simply to see the pigs, you possibly can nonetheless have a good time lounging on the seaside and exploring the island.
Are there alternatives to take photographs on Pig Island?
Sure, there shall be alternatives to take photographs throughout your go to to Pig Island. Earlier than setting as much as take photographs, be sure to’re utterly conscious of your environment.
Can I get to Pig Seaside by any means apart from by boat?
A boat experience is the one approach to get to Pig Seaside in The Bahamas. Even for those who fly to Exuma from one other island, you’ll nonetheless have to take a ship from there to get to Pig Island. This may be simply organized by way of a tour.
Swim with pigs in your dream getaway in The Bahamas
The Bahamas is an unimaginable vacation spot with a lot to supply. Throughout a trip on these islands, you can begin by exploring the unimaginable seashores, tour a few of the historic and cultural points of interest, and revel in genuine Bahamian delicacies. Pencil in a while for journey with hikes by nationwide parks, visits to water parks or spend a while at couples-only all-inclusive resorts like Sandals Emerald Bay, and Sandals Royal Bahamian (which incorporates its personal private island!). No matter you determine to do, this trip shall be one you will not quickly overlook!
Skilled tip: There are many different thrilling things to do in The Bahamas! Be at liberty to attempt as many as you possibly can whilst you’re there.
