The Bahamas is the official home of the swimming pigs

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bahamas fir - Copy
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Written by Linda Hohnholz

THE EXUMAS, Bahamas – The Bahamas is the “Official Home of the Swimming Pigs.” Visitors to the islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience of swimming with the pigs on the uninha

THE EXUMAS, Bahamas – The Bahamas is the “Official Home of the Swimming Pigs.” Visitors to the islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience of swimming with the pigs on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, which is home to these special creatures and affectionately called “Pig Beach.” The swimming pigs join the vast selection of aquatic activities already popular with visitors to The Bahamas, from snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles, to shark and eel sightings, to scuba diving.

The family of pigs, dubbed “adorable” by tourists, locals, and media alike, have become incredibly popular. They live freely on the sandy beaches, and after basking in the sun for hours, they swim in the surf. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of the almond trees to greet visitors that bring them treats. They are also fed by the crews of passing yachts and vessels. The swimming pigs are truly a sight to behold and have become so popular that they have inspired a children’s book, “The Secret of Pig’s Island,” by Jennifer R. Nolan, and a song by children’s author Sandra Boynton.

It is unknown how the pigs originally came to live on Big Major Cay, as they aren’t native, and the island itself is uninhabited. Popular lore suggests that the pigs were dropped off by a group of sailors who wanted to come back and cook them, or that there was a nearby shipwreck and the pigs swam to safety. However it was that they came to be, there are now approximately 20 pigs and piglets surviving easily on Big Major Cay, partly because the island is blessed with three freshwater springs, and partly due to the generosity of visiting Bahamians and tourists.

The Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Joy Jibrilu, has concluded that, “As a destination that is world-renowned for welcoming visitors and providing them with the most beautiful beaches, lavish hotels and resorts, and fine dining, and for being a dream destination, the islands of The Bahamas are very proud to be the Official Home of the Swimming Pigs. Providing visitors with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of interacting with these wonderful animals is just one more thing that distinguishes The Bahamas. We’ve already introduced thousands of visitors to ‘Pig Beach,’ and we look forward to welcoming thousands more in the years to come. These animals are now as much a Bahamian experience as any other that visitors may discover while visiting The Bahamas.”

Visitors may book their visits to Big Major Cay for their opportunities to swim with the pigs through a variety of excursion vendors on the islands.

About the Islands of The Bahamas

The islands of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone, from Nassau and Paradise Island, to Grand Bahama, to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island, and more. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles, with some of the world’s best golf, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, and boating, as well as shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with pre-clearance through US Customs and Immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is at par with the US dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit The Bahamas website or look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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