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The Swimming Pigs of Exuma

If you’ve Googled “The Bahamas,” you have most definitely seen pictures of the famous swimming pigs!

Our swimming swine are famous worldwide, providing the backdrop for Instagram influencers, celebrity photoshoots and even starring in their own book and movie! These friendly creatures bring out the kid in anyone they meet – causing so much excitement the pigs aren’t the only ones squealing.

How did the swimming pigs get to the Bahamas?

Well, we’re not sure. They certainly aren’t native to the islands, that we do know. There are two legends to explain the lucky-star appearance of swimming pigs in the Bahamas. The first says that a group of sailors left them on an island, intending to come back and eat them. Good thing for the pigs, the sailors never returned, so the pigs took up residence on the island.

The other legends says that the pigs were on a ship sailing through the Bahamas. A squall came up and sank the ship. The crew died, but the especially buoyant piggies floated to a nearby island, where their descendants live to this day.

Where can I swim with the pigs?

There are several beaches in the Exumas where you can swim with our famous pigs. The most well-known is Pig Beach on Big Major Cay. It’s home to about 20 pigs and 0 humans, so it’s safe to say the pigs are enjoying the good life on their own private island.

The best way to get to where you can swim with the pigs is to take a Swimming Pig tour. On a Swimming Pig tour, you’ll take a boat to the beach where you’ll be given snacks to feed to the pigs, who will already be swimming up to your boat (they know the drill). Most tours will also take you to other fun islands where you can swim with nurse sharks, pet a stingray, hold a starfish, feed native iguanas, and even Thunderball Grotto – an underwater cave system made famous in the James Bond movie by the same name, and more!

Swimming with the Pigs – Etiquette

Use your manners when visiting a friends’ home – even if that friend is a pig! Here are some rules of island etiquette to keep in mind when you’re hanging out with our porkers in paradise:

Be very mindful of your trash – Our ocean breezes can snatch wrappers, ponytail holders, bags, and more straight from your hands and into the water. Keep our beaches clean by making sure everything light is kept in your pockets. And if you see any trash on the beach, do our piggies a solid and pick it up. They’d do it themselves but they don’t have thumbs.

Only feed them healthy snacks – They love carrots and celery, and your hands will, too, since they’re long enough to give to the piggies without getting nipped.

Remember, they’re wild animals! – The famous swimming pigs are friendly, but you should remember, they are wild animals. Always approach them gently, don’t startle them, and never aggressively handle them in any way.

Follow us on Instagram to keep up with all of the cutest piggy pics!

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