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Swimming with the Pigs – Staniel Cay, Bahamas

Swimming with the Pigs – Staniel Cay, Bahamas

All it took was one picture and I was sold.

Pigs swimming in crystal clear turquoise water in the Bahamas – Sign me up! These furry little tropical pigs were pretty much the selling point of our recent trip to the Bahamas. As if we really needed to be sold on going to the Bahamas. Swimming with the pigs here we come!

Swimming with the Pigs

This picture of a pink pig swimming in the tropical waters brought us down to Staniel Cay in the Exumas in Eastern Bahamas. We spent a week in the Bahamas to cross off swimming with pigs from our bucket list.

Related Article: Staniel Cay Guide

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We bribed a few of the reluctant pigs off the beach and into the water with a pack of leftover airline cookies (at least someone likes these things). The small pack of two cookies turned beach bum pigs into swimmers.

It’s debatable if feeding the pigs is a good idea, but it seems someone is caring for them and they aren’t missing too many meals.

swimming with the pig Bahamas

My favorite pig on the island was the most playful one. The big male of the group was the most interested in us and came trotting up to the boat as we landed onshore.

swimming with the pigs pig snout

Watch out for the pink pig. He is sneaky. However, I don’t think he sees well and if you get too close he doesn’t like it. He has more of the classic pig look and made for some good pictures.

Swimming with the pigs Exumas

The cutest pig was this little guy who was white with big brown spots all over and one right on his nose. He was a young little pig that wanted to be bold enough to get in the water with us but couldn’t muster the courage.

Chasing cookies swimming with the pigs

Where Are The Swimming Pigs In The Bahamas

The pigs call the island of Big Major Cay home, which has been nicknamed Pig Island. It’s just a short boat ride from Staniel Cay which is reachable by small planes from Nassau and Ft. Lauderdale. You can arrange a trip to the swim with the pigs on any of the surrounding islands, everyone with a boat knows where they live. You can also rent a boat by the day and it’s a great way to visit the pigs and see all the great sights nearby.

How Did The Swimming Pigs Get To The Island In The Bahamas?

Well, the truth is there are about as many stories as to how the pigs got to the island as there are people on Staniel Cay (which is about 90 people, so 90 different stories). However, the seemingly most credible story we heard while visiting Staniel Cay and the swimming pigs was that the Gray family that owns the island that the swimming pigs live on brought them to the island and do tend to them, somewhat. Especially now that they are such a huge part of their tourism economy.

Where To Stay While Visiting The Pigs In The Bahamas

Staniel Cay is the island with the most tourism infrastructure in the surrounding islands and would be one of the best choices. Staniel Cay is a small island with a handful of places to stay while visiting the swimming pigs in the Bahamas.

We had a great stay with Nikki in her Eco-Friendly Embrace Resort. She even helped us arrange our trip to visit the swimming pigs in the Bahamas.

Were The Swimming Pigs On The Bachelor?

Yes, they were! After seeing the adorable swimming pigs on The Bachelor, you’re probably dying to know where these little cuties live so you can go visit. Well here is your guide to find the same swimming pigs The Bachelor aired. Talk about a fun date!


Now, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Staniel Cay and make sure to pack tons of snacks to go swimming with the pigs!

swimming with the pigs in the Bahamas

**Thank you Embrace Resort for inviting down to Staniel Cay to check swimming with the pigs off our bucket list. As always all opinions are our own.**