Pig Beach
Island Beach where feral pigs swim with visitors
Big Major Cay’s Pig Beach draws boat trips to swim with the resident pigs, combined with snorkeling in clear Exuma waters and day tours that include beaches and sandbars.
Pig Beach is the informal name for the sandy landing on Big Major Cay in the Exuma island chain of the Bahamas, known for a population of feral pigs that swim to meet visiting boats. The site became a popular day-trip destination for visitors seeking close encounters with the animals.
Groups of pigs live on or near the beach and routinely swim in shallow water; boat-based tour operators commonly include the cay as a stop on Exuma day trips. Visitors typically walk ashore to observe and sometimes wade with the pigs on the shoreline.
The pigs were introduced to the cay historically and have persisted without permanent human settlement on the island; the location remains uninhabited by people and accessible only by private or chartered boat.
Pig Beach lies on Big Major Cay within the Exuma district of the Bahamas, a short boat ride from nearby islands such as Great Exuma and Staniel Cay.
- Access by boat: Accessible only by boat, the site is commonly reached on day trips from Great Exuma or Staniel Cay; operators bring visitors for short beach visits and swims with the pigs.
- Wildlife safety: The pigs are wild animals that interact with visitors; maintain a safe distance, avoid feeding them processed foods, and follow local guidance for wildlife interactions.
How to Get to Pig Beach #
Pig Beach is reached by boat from George Town on Great Exuma; day-trip operators run regular excursions. Private charters are also common and can include additional stops around the Exuma Cays.
Tips for Visiting Pig Beach #
- Use a reputable boat operator from George Town (Great Exuma) and confirm how many pig encounters the trip includes-some boats visit multiple cays.
- Follow local instructions: do not attempt to take piglets or chase the animals; feeding is controlled and tourists should use supplied food rather than human snacks.
- Early morning trips are better for calmer water and more predictable pig behavior.
Best Time to Visit Pig Beach #
Pig Beach is best visited in the dry season (November-April) for calm seas and comfortable temperatures; mornings are less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Pig Beach #
Tropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1002 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.
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April
April is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (118 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
