There is a pig beach in the Bahamas!

Have you ever dreamed of stepping onto a pristine white-sand beach where the sun-kissed waves meet the shores of the Exumas, a mesmerising chain of over 365 tiny Bahamian islands? Brace yourself for a revelation, as this captivating corner of the planet holds a secret: An uninhabited island named Big Major Cay, famously known as Pig Beach.

Picture this: Iguana tails leave their mark in the sand, and finding a gleaming pink conch shell as big as your head is as ordinary as spotting a new shade of blue in the surrounding waters. But the real stars of this tropical paradise are not native islanders; they’re the Bahamas’ beach pigs, living like celebrities on Big Major Cay.

These pigs, not originally from the island, have become a global sensation, thanks in part to a surprise appearance on “The Bachelor” and countless Instagram posts. However, fame comes at a cost. Seven pigs were found dead in February, prompting speculation about the cause. While some blamed tourists with a penchant for booze, autopsy results pointed to sand ingestion.

So, how did these pigs end up on a beach paradise? Legend has it that they arrived due to a shipwreck or hungry pirates. However, Wayde Nixon claims to have brought the first pigs to the island in the late ’90s to start a pig farm, preparing for the feared Y2K computer meltdown.

To reach Pig Beach, the only mode of transportation is by boat. You can charter one or opt for guided tours offered by companies like Exuma Water Tours, providing a full-day experience that includes meeting the pigs, swimming with nurse sharks, and exploring scenic spots like the Thunderball Grotto.

Feeding the pigs is a popular activity, but beware! After the untimely deaths, rules are in the works to regulate this interaction. If you choose to feed them, opt for pitted fruits and vegetables in the water to avoid sand ingestion. The pigs can be quite large and might chase you if you’re carrying food.

The best time to visit? Most tours run from 9 am to sunset, ensuring uninterrupted piggy attention. You can visit any time of year, but keep in mind that June to November is hurricane season, and the pigs are usually taken to shelter during storms.

Wondering where to stay? Fowl Cay Resort, minutes from Pig Beach, offers waterfront villas with stunning views and an authentic island vibe. If you prefer the most accessible option, Staniel Cay has accommodation options, including the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and the Isles Inn.

But Pig Beach isn’t the only animal encounter awaiting you in the Exumas. Compass Cay boasts nurse sharks, Bitter Guana Cay hosts endangered Exuma Island iguanas, and Cocoplum Beach is known for its sand dollars. From swimming with sea turtles to snorkeling in world-class spots like the Thunderball Grotto, the Exumas offer a paradise for nature lovers.

Embark on a journey to Pig Beach and its neighboring wonders, where the sun, sand, and sea blend with the tales of pigs, sharks, and iguanas, creating memories to last a lifetime.