Just picture yourself being in a tropical island where you can interact with friendly pigs while swimming in the clear water. This dreamlike experience is a reality at Pig Beach which is found in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. Able to be listed as one of the most favourite and unforgettable tourist activities in the Caribbean, swimming with pigs has become one of the major attractions to Bahamas. In case you love animals or just want to have a wonderful time, it is possible to visit Pig Beach and be sure you will have a great time. In this guide, youre going to learn about the history of Pig Beach, what to prepare for, and tips on how to enjoy this experience.
The Origin and History of Pig Beach
How the Pigs Arrived at Pig Beach
Pig Beach and how the pigs came into existence has been told through folklore and mystery. There is a famous story of the sailors who left pigs on the island with an aim of coming back another day to prepare them for eating. However the sailors never came back and the pigs settled down to a life on the island. Another theory was that the pigs were shipwrecked and swimming ashore for their lives. They arrived in the Exuma Cays in one way or another and adapted to the islands environment, making them a part of the local wildlife. The remainder of their presence on the island developed into a rather sweet and somewhat surprising tourist interest in the Bahamas.
The Evolution of Pig Beach as a Tourist Attraction
Although Pig Beach is still relatively small island in the Bahamas, it became popular thanks to the pigs that live on it. People and tourists as well as photographers became interested in seeing the pigs frolicking in the clear blue waters, which contributed to a lot of shares on social media. When more tourists came, locals started providing travel services to tour the beaches of pigs making it one of the famous attractions in the Bahamas Archipelago. In the present time, Pig Beach is among the famous attractions located in the Exuma Cays that has tourists from across the globe who want to get a peek of this kind of beautiful environment. Pigs having gained interaction with human beings have become the representatives of one of the most interesting attractions that Bahamas can offer.
What to Expect When You Swim with Pigs
Preparing for the Swim: What to Bring and Wear
Preparing for the trip to Pig Beach is crucial to ensure that you have the best experience when you get there. Begin with a swimwear together with light clothing appropriate for weather conditions for the boat trip to the island. Do not leave for the Caribbean without your sunscreen, your sunglasses, and a hat to shield you from the scorching sun. Because the pigs are accustomed to getting food from the visitors, you may decide to take along some fruits or vegetables but you should consult your tour guide on the possibility of taking them with you. The use of a waterproof camera or GoPro is something that is needed especially when swimming with these lovely creatures. Flip flops or other appropriate type of shoes that may be worn while on the water are also encouraged since there are a lot of sand and sometimes rocks on the bottom.
Interacting with the Pigs: Dos and Donts
Pig Beach is one of the fun places to visit and swim with the pigs but should do it in the right manner. The pigs are not aggressive but sometimes are pushy especially when it comes to food. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow these simple guidelines: Do not run towards the pigs and do better avoid getting close to them but let the pigs approach you instead. Do no offer food from your hand, for they may bite you in the process of stretching out their neck in order to get the food. But you should lay the food on the sand or even in the water which is shallow. Also, please make sure that you do not leave your personal belongings within sight of the pigs because they are fond of biting bags or shoes. Do not attempt to touch, climb or overly manipulate the pigs since this will cause them to stress. Through these tips, you will be able to maximize your fun time with the pigs and at the same time protecting both your life and the pigs lives as well.
How to Get to Pig Beach
Choosing the Best Tour Options
To get to Pig Beach, one has to plan a little because it is situated in the Exuma Cays. The most preferred method is to take an organized tour from Nassau or from other neighbouring islands. Such tours may include transportation on a speed boat or a yacht so you can marvel at beauty of the Exumas Islands during the journey. Some of the things to look at when choosing a tour include the size of the group, the facilities provided and the size of the tour.
Navigating the Exuma Cays to Pig Beach
For those who want to have more personal experience, you can hire the boat and sail around Exuma Cays on your own. The trip through the cays is a ride in its own right as there are clear blue waters and some sort of coves along the way and sea-life is abundant. While embarking to Pig Beach, you will discover a number of tiny islands which provide various experiences of paradise. The journey usually lasts between an hour and two hours depending on where you are coming from.
Conclusion
Pig Beach and swimming with these unique animals easily make you understand the real atmosphere of Bahamas and become a part of it. From the exciting boat ride through the waters of the Exuma Cays to the rather funny encounter with the pigs, this is an experience that one will not forget their lifetime. If swimming with sharks, or exploring other parts of the Exumas, or just basking in the sun and sand, Pig Beach is a must-visit when in Bahamas. Do not lose your opportunity to spend some time with your loved ones here in this amazing place.
