Swimming With Pigs In Bahamas
Photo by Antonio Scant on Unsplash
No doubt, many of us heard about the possibility to swim with dolphins, manta rays, and even sharks, but how many of you heard about swimming with pigs? These animals can be found not only on farms; a group of them lives on an island within the Bahamas archipelago. The activity proved so popular that the island where these cute creatures lived was named Pig Island (initially — Big Mayor Cay). Are you thrilled to learn more about this experience? Let’s find out all the details.
How To Get There
The island where a group of pigs was once left for an unknown reason belongs to the Exumas island cluster. It is a rather remote place with only one populated island nearby, Staniel Cay (110 residents). Luckily, this tiny speck of land has an airport, which significantly simplifies the process of travelling to Big Mayor Cay. From there, transportation takes just about 10 minutes by boat.
Another option to get to Pig Island is from Great Exuma, which implies a 2-hour boat ride, which may be strenuous for those suffering from sea sickness or during rainy/ windy weather (especially off-season) as boats are open-air.
The most popular transportation option is taking a 35-minute flight from Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, combined with a 10-minute boat ride from Staniel Cay. Otherwise, the journey takes you 3 hours by speedboat.
The most difficult travelling method can be made directly from the U.S. (Florida). It includes a 1-hour flight to Andros Island followed by a 45-minute flight to Staniel Cay. Pick the option that is the most suitable for you!
When To Visit
In recent years, several islands across the Bahamas have had their own «pig beaches». Pig Beach in the Exumas is the first and «original» one, therefore it is also the most popular one. That is why the island is very busy during the peak season, from December to April, with Christmas holidays being the busiest time.
The best period for visiting Pig Island may be the off-season, from September to the middle of November. This time is also free of storms and other unpleasant weather circumstances.
The worst option is, of course, the low season, lasting from June to December. During these months, the number of visitors is minimal, but the weather is highly unfavourable, with frequent storms and hurricanes.
As for picking the time of day to visit pigs, one should consider coming in the morning or at least before afternoon. During these hours, animals are the most active and the chances are high that they will want to communicate and ask for food. After midday, pigs may be sleepy and satiated, so you may have a hard time making them swim with you. However, mornings are the busiest times, with several boats docked by the beach at the same time.
What Will Your Encounter Be Like
First of all, don’t expect to spend the whole day with pigs, as the majority of tour operators only give you 15 to 20 minutes. If that isn’t enough, dip into your pocket and purchase a private tour.
Secondly, keep in mind that island pigs are wild animals and thus aren’t guaranteed to swim with you. They can be coaxed into water if you offer them some food, but they may refuse if they already have had their portion.
Thirdly, as was said before, you will have to share the space and the animals’ attention with a number of other tourists, unless you take a private tour. Whether this will be a crowd or a couple of people, depends on the season and the time of day.
How To Behave
Adhere to some rules while feeding pigs. Don’t bring any processed food; keep to fruit, vegetables, or bread. You can also buy some special pig food on the beach. Never put food on the sand because eating sand-encrusted food may cause digestion problems for pigs. Also, avoid feeding animals from your hands as they can go too far and bite you. Consequently, it is best to feed pigs in the water.
Keep an eye on the pigs; they can’t boast great eyesight and so can be easily startled. For the sake of your safety, don’t tease pigs with food, especially if they seem hungry, and don’t let them stand behind you: in some cases, they may bite.
Be friendly, but remember the following. Avoid taking piglets into your arms, as they may squeal, attracting their mother’s attention. Mothers may become aggressive if they consider their children endangered. Secondly, don’t try to ride on the pigs: they are not riding animals. Thirdly, don’t chase pigs along the beach: they are not photo equipment for you to use. Lastly, refuse feeding at all if you are scared (if you carry food, some pigs may try to chase you, and they are quite large).
It goes without saying, but be sure not to leave trash on the beach when you leave. Let pigs enjoy the clean environment!
What To Bring
You will certainly need: a bathing suit; sunscreen (the best option is a reef-safe one) and a sunhat; beach towel; camera/ phone with a portable charger; insect repellent; a change of clothes.
You might need: a sarong (to warm up after being in water); underwater camera; waterproof case; sunglasses; goggles for snorkelling; water and snacks (in case your tour operator doesn’t provide those); light outer suit (to use during a ride, which is quite windy); water shoes; cash/ credit card (to tip your guide or buy something on inhabited islands along the way).
Alternatives And Final Words
Photo by Forest Simon on Unsplash
Swimming with pigs in the Bahamas may become your lifetime experience, provided that you consider the weather, the time, the rules, and bring everything necessary. In case you don’t make it to the original Pig Beach, you can consider other options throughout the Bahamas, like Eleuthera, Rose Island, Ship Channel Cay, No Name Cay (Abaco), and Dove Cay. Any of them will give you a taste of the iconic Bahamas, featuring white sand, palm trees, and turquoise water. Whichever island you choose, may your journey be exciting and unforgettable!