Swimming with the pigs is on almost every Bahamas wish list. The good news if you are staying in Nassau, or stopping on a cruise, is that you do not need to fly to the Exumas to do it. Friendly swimming pigs live on Athol Island, a short boat ride from downtown Nassau. Here is how it works, how it compares with the famous Exuma pigs, and how to make the most of your visit.
Where are the swimming pigs near Nassau?
The closest swimming pigs to Nassau live on Athol Island, a small, undeveloped island just east of Paradise Island. It is close enough to reach on a half-day boat trip from the harbour, which is why it is the most popular way to see swimming pigs from Nassau.
The pigs live on their own beach. When they hear a boat engine they wade and paddle out through the shallow, clear water to say hello, usually hoping for a snack.
Athol Island vs. the Exuma pigs
The original swimming pigs live at Big Major Cay, often called Pig Beach, in the Exuma Cays, which means a flight or a long day by boat from Nassau. Here is how the two compare:
| Athol Island (Nassau) | Exuma (Big Major Cay) | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | A short boat ride from Nassau Harbour | A flight or a long boat trip from Nassau |
| Time needed | Part of a 4-hour trip | A full day |
| Cruise port days | Easy, with time to spare | Usually not practical |
| Also on the trip | Turtles, snorkeling, beaches | Depends on the tour |
If you have a week in the Exumas, go and see the originals. If you are in Nassau, Athol Island gives you the same unforgettable moment without losing a whole day of your holiday.
How to visit the swimming pigs from Nassau
On our private tours, the swimming pigs are an optional add-on for $20 per person, which you can select when you book. You can add them to:
- 4-Hour Island Hopping: Turtles, Pigs & Snorkeling, from $1,100 for the boat
- 6-Hour Private Island Experience, from $1,650 for the boat
- 8-Hour Full-Day Island Escape, from $2,100 for the boat
Each price covers the whole private boat for up to 10 guests, with your own captain and crew. Because the boat is yours, you choose how long to stay with the pigs. There is no big crowd and no rushing back to a group.
A typical day with the pigs, turtles and beaches
A 4-hour trip usually starts with a cruise through Nassau Harbour past Atlantis. Next comes snorkeling over the reef and swimming with wild sea turtles, then time on a quiet beach. The swimming pigs stop at Athol Island fits naturally into the route. On the longer trips you also get time on the long, quiet beaches of Rose Island. Your captain adjusts the order to the weather and the crowds.
Tips for swimming with the pigs
- Let the pigs come to you. They are friendly and curious, and they will find you quickly.
- Hold food flat on your palm. The crew hand out feed and show you how. Keep your own snacks zipped away.
- Keep children close to the crew. The big pigs can weigh 70 to 80 pounds. They are gentle, but they are enthusiastic when food is around.
- Bring a waterproof phone case. You will be standing in shallow water, and you will want photos.
- Stay a little longer. Once the feeding frenzy is over, the piglets calm down, and that is when the best photos happen. We wrote about this in a softer side of Pig Beach.
Can you see the pigs on a cruise stop?
Yes. This is one of the most popular Nassau shore excursions. Choose the Woodes Rogers Walk pickup, about a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The 4-hour trip, with the pigs added, has you back well before all aboard. If your ship is delayed or misses Nassau, you get a full refund. See our Nassau cruise excursions guide for timings.
Is it suitable for kids?
Very much so. The water at the pig beach is shallow and calm, life jackets are on board for everyone, and the crew stay with the youngest guests. Many families tell us the pigs were the highlight of their whole trip.
Book your swimming pigs tour
Start with the 4-hour island hopping tour and add the pigs when you book, or message us if you would like help planning the day. For a first-hand account, read the truth about swimming with pigs.
