Big Major Cay is an uninhabited island (or cay, pronounced “KEY”) located in the Exuma chain of roughly 365 tiny islands in the beautiful Bahamas, and is known for being populated by many swimming feral pigs. How did the pigs get to Pig Beach? Some say they were left by a group of sailors, who planned to come back and cook them. Or that the pigs swam over from a shipwreck nearby.
Regardless of their origin, approximately twenty pigs and piglets currently reside on Pig Beach. With regular visits from both Bahamians and tourists, the pigs enjoy a comfortable existence on Big Major Cay. They are now regularly fed by locals and tourists, and the island is informally known as Pig Beach by the local community. Concerned locals provide care for these animals.
The most effective method to observe them is via boat or seaplane. From a charter yacht anchored nearby, it is convenient to swim in or utilize a tender. They are exceptionally friendly, and are often more interested in your refreshments than your company. They swim out to your vessel upon approach and beg while wading in the water with their snouts exposed. The pigs range in size from tiny piglets to large adults, nesting amongst the low-lying palm trees near the beach.
Your captain will maneuver the yacht’s tender close so you can step out of the boat and swim with the pigs. There are also a few chickens who have joined them on this famous beach. The best time to see them is mostly in the morning when they are still hungry. By late afternoon, they are usually tuckered out with full bellies and are more likely to lounge in the sand than paddle through the water with you.
