Pig BeachAbout Pig Beach
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 19° - 25° | 22° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.7h |
| February | Ideal | 19° - 25° | 22° | 34 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 4.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| March | Ideal | 20° - 27° | 23° | 23 mm | some cloud | 76% | 4.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 22° - 27° | 24° | 40 mm | mostly sunny | 77% | 4.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Excellent | 23° - 29° | 26° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.5h |
| July | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 33° | 82 mm | some cloud | 78% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 33° | 111 mm | some cloud | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 170 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 28° | 25° | 59 mm | some cloud | 75% | 4.8 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| December | Ideal | 21° - 26° | 23° | 36 mm | some cloud | 77% | 4.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.5h |
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.