Why are there so many pigs in Bahamas?

Before there were pigs in the ocean, Big Major Cay was uninhabited. Then, the Bahamas Pigs arrived from the neighboring island of Staniel Cay. Staniel Cay was once a prominent farming village. Farmers brought the pigs to the adjacent island of Big Major Cay because of the pigs rank stench.

Who brought pigs to the Bahamas?

One more popular story says the pigs were brought ashore by sailors as livestock. However, when a sudden seastorm approached, the sailors were forced to leave in a hurry and, therefore, leave the pigs on the island.

Are the pigs in the Bahamas OK?

Bottom line—the pigs are not living out long lives of freedom on a deserted island in the Bahamas. Sure, it's better than a factory farm, but Pig Island is no paradise for pigs.

How did swimming pigs in the Bahamas get there?

Aranha said the “swimming with pigs” phenomenon began years ago when some tourists boating through the Exuma chain noticed a group of pigs wandering around the beach of uninhabited Big Major Cay. As their boat approached, some of the pigs began swimming toward it. “Pigs will do anything for food,” Aranha said.

How many pigs are in the Bahamas?

Today, about 20 pigs and piglets call the island home. In fact, the area is informally known as Pig Island or Pig Beach, for obvious reasons! Pig Beach is located in a section of Bahamian islands known as The Exumas, an archipelago of 365 cays and islands beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau.

WHEN PIGS SWIM: THE FILM (EXUMA, BAHAMAS)

Can you still swim with pigs in Bahamas?

There are a number of islands in the Bahamas that now have swimming pigs, these include Exuma, Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, Abacos, Rose and Grand Bahamas.

What do the pigs on Pig Island eat?

Pigs being pigs, they'll eat anything. The Bahamian Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources has asked that tourists only feed the pigs pitted fruit and vegetables. The pigs are ONLY to be fed in the water where there is less chance of them ingesting sand.

How much does it cost to swim with pigs in Bahamas?

Exuma Water Sports is a highly rated tour operator that offers half day- and full-day swimming with pigs tours. Tours with this outfitter cost $168 per person for a half-day excursion and $350 per person for a full-day trip.

How do pigs end up on islands?

For hundreds of years, pigs, and other livestock, from cattle to goats to chickens, were brought by European explorers by ship, and the animals often found their way onto various islands where they were heretofore unknown.

Do pigs cut their throats when swimming?

This means that pigs will have excellent buoyancy in water. However, even though these fatty mammals are naturally buoyant, it is not guaranteed to stay afloat as they keep still. They need to paddle with their limbs for them to balance in the water. It is good to note that pigs do not cut their throats as they swim.

Can you swim with pigs in the ocean?

Swimming with the pigs at Pig Beach is easily done by staying on Staniel Cay. Though the pigs swim off the shore of Big Major Cay, Staniel Cay is a quick 5-minute boat ride away and has the most tourism infrastructure in the area.

Will a pig bite you?

Although a pig may bite for many reasons, fear is one. If a pig has been badly handled in the past, it may respond by biting out of fear, even when new owners are kind and display none of the actions associated with past situations.

Are sharks in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is undoubtedly one of the oceans shark diving hotspots! Join Shark Explorers and get up close and personal with a variety of shark species including Tiger sharks, Great Hammerhead sharks, Oceanic White Tip sharks, Bulls sharks, Lemon sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks and Nurse sharks.

Can you go to Pig Beach by yourself?

If you come to visit Pig Beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon then you've got the best chance of avoiding the crowds. In fact I would say you have a very good opportunity to have the entire Pig Beach to yourself!

Can you swim with pigs in Bimini?

Other places around the country have imported pigs to beaches to try to bring in tourist dollars, but the pigs at Big Major Cay are the original Bahamas swimming pigs. You can fly to Staniel Cay and get a quick five-minute boat taxi to Pig Island as conveniently as it can be.

Are the Exumas safe?

Exuma Islands

You'll hardly find any violent crime on these islands which make them one of the safest places to visit in the Bahamas. Grand Exuma is the biggest island and is the base for most visitors. Here you'll find plenty of activity options as well as friendly locals and breathtaking beaches.

Will pigs eat human?

6. And when they're not either squealing or talking, pigs will eat almost anything – including human bones. In 2012, a farmer in Oregon, America, was eaten by his pigs after having a heart attack and falling into their enclosure.

What should I avoid in the Bahamas?

Avoid walking alone after sunset, especially around poorly-lit and deserted locations, such as streets and beaches. Nightclubs and music venues provide a chance to experience local culture, though tourists should stick to heavily populated areas and walk in a group.

Can you swim with pigs in Nassau?

If you're staying in Nassau or The Exumas, you can easily book a day trip to see the swimming pigs. Your adventure includes a boat tour through The Exuma Cays.

Why is Bahamas water so blue?

This MODIS image of blue water in the Caribbean Sea looks blue because the sunlight is scattered by the water molecules. Near the Bahama Islands, the lighter aqua colors are shallow water where the sunlight is reflecting off of the sand and reefs near the surface.

Why is Bahamas water so clear?

The reason that the water in the Bahamas and Hawaii is clearer than along the California coast is likely a combination of both of these factors: 1) the sediments in the Bahamas and Hawaii tend to be composed of heavier particles that are not as easily stirred up or suspended, and 2) there tends to be far less ...

Where are the wild pigs in Bahamas?

The Bahamas' beach pigs live on Big Major Cay, one of the over 365 islands in Exuma, a district of the Bahamas. Also known as Pig Beach (for obvious reasons), the island is about 82 miles southeast of Nassau, and about 50 miles northwest of George Town. It is entirely uninhabited by humans.

Do pigs like the beach?

Sunbathe

Just like cats and dogs, pigs love to find a quiet spot to sprawl out on the floor with the sun on their back. One thing they have to be careful of, however, is that they don't get sunburn in the intense summer heat, as their skin is very similar to a humans and is susceptible to burning.

What to do if you get bit by a pig?

If the bite or scratch is bleeding, apply pressure to it with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding. Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes. Do not scrub as this may bruise the tissue. Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing.