Visit the Swimming Pigs of Big Major Cay Aboard a Bahamas Dive Liveaboard!
Just a hop, skip, and a leisurely boat ride down to the southern Exumas gives liveaboard passengers the chance to meet some unexpected island-dwellers…swimming pigs. These oinking beach bums get to live the dream on Big Major Cay (also known as Pig Beach) in the Bahamas.
They’re pretty famous for being quirky critters living on island time who appreciate a good snack and head scratch.
These guys have been greeting visitors to the island for years, so they’re no stranger to awe-struck vacationers and a selfie or two.
How on Earth Did They Get to the Island?
There are several theories as to how the pigs got there. Most people believe that the pigs were either left on the island by sailors who planned to come back and eat them, or maybe they swam to shore from a nearby shipwreck.
We’ll never know for sure how they arrived, but I think we can all just take comfort in the fact that they’re down there taking it easy for all of us.
We Aren’t Always Able to Make it Down to See Them, But They’re Certainly Excited to See Us When We Do!
Passengers aboard Aqua Cat, Blackbeard’s, and Cat Ppalu sometimes have the opportunity to cruise down the Exumas to this famous pork island. Unfortunately, it is pretty far down the island chain, so it’s not always possible – but it’s fun for everybody when it happens!
If all the boat’s passengers are willing to skip a couple of dives, and weather permits the travel, guests are in for a good time with some happy piggies.
As the boat pulls up to Big Major Cay, swimming pigs are already cruising out from the beach to greet passengers. They’re probably more excited about the snacks than the company, but we can just pretend that they’ve been looking forward to hanging out with us instead.
The swimming pigs don’t really do much foraging for food these days. They earn their living the easy way – waiting for visitors to stop by and feed them.
Fruits and veggies are the ideal gift for these sandy pork-chops.
The Pigs Aren’t the Only Unexpected Island Critters Who Appreciate a Good Visit!
Liveaboard passengers can also visit an island in the northern Exumas that’s home to tons and tons of grape-eating iguanas. Who knew the Bahamas had so many weird animals calling uninhabited islands home?
When the boat pulls up to meet these scaly fellows, they appear from the brush, one by one, on the beach. Guests stare in awe as dozens of big lizards line up in the sand, patiently waiting for a bag of grapes.
Feeding the iguanas is a blast for visitors. You can put one a stick and watch them run to bite it off, or toss a couple into a group and watch the lizards run over each other to win the prize.
They aren’t quite as famous as the swimming pigs, but they’re certainly a lot of fun to meet, too!
The Best Way to See the Exumas is by Liveaboard!
Liveaboards are perfect for seeing huge chains of islands like the Exuma Cays in the Bahamas. You’ll be able to spend every day of the trip sailing or cruising around, enjoying the beauty of the whole area.
Why limit yourself to one boat ride or one island when you can see so much more on a liveaboard? And, for divers, it’s the perfect way to visit all the dream dive sites offered in the Bahamas. There are options for every budget and every kind of traveler, you just have to see what works for you!
