Bahamas Diary｜Who hasn't swum with the pigs yet?
Pig Island, Bahamas: An Adorable Encounter in a Visa-Free Paradise The visa-free Bahamas for Chinese travelers hides a magical island that melts every visitor's heart—Pig Island (officially known as Big Major Cay). Famous worldwide for its colony of swimming pigs, this little island has become a dreamy must-visit spot for Instagram influencers.
How to meet these swimming champions?
From Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, you can choose two ways to start your pig-seeking adventure:
1. Speedboat day tour (approx. $200/person): Includes hotel pickup, a 1.5-hour direct ride to Pig Island, with most packages providing snorkeling gear and lunch.
2. Private charter ($400-800/boat): Ideal for families or small groups, allowing flexible scheduling. It's recommended to take the early boat before 9 AM when the pigs are most active and to avoid the midday sun. Don't forget a waterproof phone case—these "water ballet performers" might suddenly jump up for the spotlight!
Essentials for swimming with pigs:
- Waterproof sunscreen (SPF50+): The Caribbean sun is extremely strong.
- Snorkeling mask: Besides pigs, there are stunning coral reefs to explore.
- Dry towel and change of clothes: You'll definitely get wet playing with the pigs.
- Sealed snack bag: The pigs are highly sensitive to food smells.
- Water shoes: Protect your feet from coral cuts.
Fun trivia: Pig Island secrets
These pigs aren't native to the island. Legend has it that sailors left them here temporarily in the 1990s, only to discover they taught themselves to swim. Now, the third generation of "pig islanders" has fully adapted to island life, even developing a unique social hierarchy—the strongest pigs always get fed first by tourists.
Best photography tips:
- Aerial shots: Use a drone or shoot from the boat's bow to capture the pigs swimming toward you.
- Interactive moments: Snap close-ups when piglets nudge your palm with their noses.
- Panoramic composition: Frame the pigs running on white sand against emerald waters.
- Magical scenes: At low tide in the afternoon, the pigs form a "piggy pathway" on the shallows.
Nearby attractions:
1. Nurse Shark Beach (Compas Cay): Swim with docile sharks.
2. Iguana Island: Encounter dinosaur-like iguanas.
3. Shipwreck Snorkeling Spot (Thunderball Grotto): A filming location for 007 movies.
Important notes:
- No outside food for pigs (special feed is provided on the island).
- Children under 12 must wear life jackets.
- Possible temporary closures during rainy season (September-November).
- Respect wildlife; don't force pigs to pose for photos.
This fairytale world under azure skies writes the Caribbean's most heartwarming stories with its pink piggy snouts. When you see the piglets doggy-paddling joyfully toward you, you'll understand why some say, "The bluest thing in the Bahamas isn't the sea—it's the feeling when you meet these piggy treasures."