Atlantis Bahamas Swimming With Pigs: The Best Excursion You Won’t Want To Miss

Swimming with the Pigs was the highlight of our trip to the Bahamas! If you are headed out there, you NEED to take a day excursion with Shore Thing Escapes to swim with pigs, swim with gentle nurse sharks, feed iguanas, and have the perfect beach day in paradise with unforgettable animal interactions!

The tour also includes a visit to a stunning sand bar, adding to the overall experience of exploring the Exumas.

From the second I booked our family trip to the Bahamas, I knew I wanted to see the famous Exuma swimming pigs! You also get the chance to feed ancient rock iguanas, adding to the unique wildlife experiences.

I’ve seen so many pictures of people swimming with these adorable pigs in crystal clear water, I knew it would be an experience we would never forget. Much like the time we held sloths in Honduras!

We stayed in Nassau (where Atlantis is located) and I was really worried there wouldn’t be a way to get over to Exuma to see the pigs, but I found it! It’s not cheap, but when some things are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, you have to just go for it.

Despite the price tag, swimming with the pigs with Shore Things Escapes was the highlight of our 8-day trip to the Bahamas, for both me and my daughter. And I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Planning and Preparation

Planning your trip to swim with the pigs in the Bahamas is an exciting part of the adventure! First, make sure to book your excursion well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak travel seasons. Shore Thing Escapes is a popular choice, and their tours fill up quickly.

When packing for your day trip, remember to bring essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. A waterproof camera or a GoPro is a must-have to capture those unforgettable moments with the pigs. Don’t forget a light waterproof jacket for the boat ride, as it can get a bit chilly in the morning.

Comfortable swimwear and a cover-up are also important, as you’ll be in and out of the water throughout the day. And of course, pack a sense of adventure and excitement – you’re about to experience one of the most unique excursions in the Bahamas!

Getting to Pig Beach

Getting to Pig Beach is an adventure in itself! Located in the Exumas, a stunning group of islands in the southern Bahamas, Pig Beach is accessible by both air and sea. If you’re staying at Atlantis Paradise Island, you have a couple of convenient options.

One way to reach Pig Island is by taking a short flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay, which takes around 40 minutes. From Staniel Cay, it’s just a quick 10-minute boat ride to Pig Beach. This option is perfect if you want to minimize travel time and maximize your time with the pigs.

Alternatively, you can opt for a speedboat ride from Nassau. This option offers a scenic and exhilarating journey through the beautiful Bahamian waters. Whichever route you choose, make sure to book your transportation in advance to secure your spot and ensure a smooth trip to this spectacular location.

Excursion Options from Atlantis Bahamas

Atlantis Bahamas offers a variety of excursion options for guests to explore the surrounding islands and experience the unique culture and wildlife of the Bahamas. Here are some popular excursion options you won’t want to miss:

Pink Sands Escape: Visit Harbour Island’s famous Pink Sands Beach, rated one of the World’s Top Beaches by The Travel Channel. Spend your day swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the unique pink-hued sands. This escape is perfect for those looking to unwind in one of the most spectacular locations in the Bahamas.

Swim with the Pigs: This is the ultimate day trip to Pig Island, where you can interact with the famous swimming pigs. Imagine these adorable pigs paddling through the crystal-clear waters to greet you! After your swim, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on a pristine beach, making it a perfect day in paradise.

Island Hopping: If you love exploring, this excursion is for you. Visit multiple islands in one day, including the beautiful Rose Island. Here, you can snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, swim in turquoise waters, and relax on the soft sandy beaches. Each island offers its own unique charm and unforgettable sites.

Nassau Harbour Tour: Dive into the rich history of Nassau Harbour. This tour includes views of massive cruise ships docked in the Caribbean’s largest cruise port and visits to historic forts like Fincastle, Charlotte, and Montagu. Learn about the exciting history of pirates in the Bahamas while enjoying the picturesque views.

Where Can You Go Swimming with the Pigs in the Bahamas?

As I mentioned before, the swimming pigs are located off the island of Exuma. You won’t be able to reach the secluded “Pig Beach” without a tour company. Nassau Harbour, with its historical significance and picturesque views, is a key part of the tour experience.

If you are staying in Nassau, I HIGHLY recommend Shore Thing Escapes. There are several tour companies that will take you to swim with the pigs, but I really think Shore Thing is the BEST. They completely made our vacation amazing. During the harbor tour, you can enjoy views of massive cruise ships in the Caribbean’s largest cruise port.

It’s an all-day excursion, so most cruise passengers won’t be able to take part. We started our day at 7 am and didn’t get back to our hotel until 5 pm. But Shore Thing Escapes made it as easy as possible for us. You also get the opportunity to see historic forts such as Fincastle, Charlotte, and Montagu during the boat tour.

They picked us up from our hotel, gave us breakfast with coffee and juice, and even gave us a ride back to our hotel at the end of the day.

About the Swimming Pigs

The swimming pigs of the Bahamas are truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t want to miss. These adorable animals can be found on Rose Island and Pig Island, and they are known for their friendly and curious nature.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to feed the pigs with healthy snacks and interact with them in their natural habitat. The pigs are well-habituated to people and are always eager to swim out to greet visitors, hoping for a tasty treat. It’s an incredible sight to see these pigs paddling through the crystal-clear waters, and it’s an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Did you know that the pigs see thousands of visitors every day? Despite their popularity, they remain as charming and engaging as ever. Whether you’re feeding them, petting them, or simply watching them swim, the pigs are sure to be a highlight of your tour.

Starting our Exuma Experience Day

Shore Thing Escapes picked us up right from our hotel lobby and brought us to their office to sign the paperwork and get us going. The whole process was quick and the kids enjoyed bagels and donuts before we set out.

We also got some really cool reusable water bottles to take on the boat and they supplied enough fresh water to last throughout the day.

I also want to mention, one reason we booked with this tour company is that they included lunch AND drinks. And I mean GOOD drinks! They included several kinds of beer, Rum Punch, and some homemade coconut drink with gin that was AMAZING!

Our Exuma Experience day stopped at 6 different places:

• Feed Iguanas at Allen Cay
• Swim with sharks at Compass Cay
• Big Major Cay to swim with the Pigs
• Lunch at Black Point
• Normans Cay to Snorkel a Plane Crash
• Sandbar and hidden beach: This sand bar is a stunning location where you can walk for miles in shallow water, making it a perfect spot for photos and relaxation.

The boat ride to the first island took about an hour (we traveled 80 miles to get there). It can be a bit chilly in the morning air, so bringing a light waterproof jacket is a great idea. But I only had my towel and was just fine.

Stop 1 – Feed Ancient Rock Iguanas at Allen Cay

The first stop on our tour! Our boat pulled right up to the beach and we all jumped out to feed some iguanas. We were worried we wouldn’t see many but as soon as our boat pulled up, they all came running up to see us.

We only had about 15-20 minutes on this beach, but that was plenty of time. We each got some sticks and some bread to feed the iguanas and they were not shy! My daughter actually lost 2 sticks feeding them because they grabbed the bread so hard, that they took the stick with them! 

Make sure you use the sticks and don’t get your hands too close, the iguanas will bite if they get too close to your fingers!

Shop My Cover Up | Shop My Daughters Cover Up

Stop 2 – Swim with Gentle Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay

My daughter was a bit nervous about this stop but ended up really loving it! We swam with nurse sharks, which are actually very tame and docile animals. So no need to worry about any kind of danger!

We not only swan with these amazing little sharks, but we also fed them squid, held them, petted them… and never got so much as a nip. 

Our guides were really great and helpful. They helped us hold the sharks and even took a bunch of photos for us. And occasionally threw some squid in front of us without us noticing… causing the sharks to swarm us and make us scream (all in fun though!) 

Shop my Flamingo Swim Suit | Shop my Daughters Flamingo Swim Suit

Stop 3 – Pig Island (Big Major Cay) to Swim with the Pigs

Finally! The best part of the entire stop and the main reason everyone books this excursion is the unique experience of swimming with the island swimming pigs on Rose Island.

If you are wondering if these really swim… the answer is YES! They swim so well, that they started swimming out to our boat before we were anywhere near land. And they circled us for several minutes waiting for food.

How did the swimming pigs get to this island?

No one actually knows the real answer. I’ve heard several different stories and the one I think makes the most sense is that they were brought there a long long time ago and were left behind. But the pigs endured the elements and have made quite a life for themselves out there.

Most of the pigs are really sweet. It’s almost like they are trained animals. One big spotted pig even sat for us as he waited for his treats. But some pigs were not as kind! And they were even a little ruthless when trying to get their food from us!

See the big guy on the left sitting for his food?

My daughter actually got bit on her hand because I think a pig thought her finger was a carrot. It hurt a lot but she was fine! The crew of Shore Thing Escapes was amazing and cleaned up her little bite right away. Then they spent some time with her personally and helped her hold a baby pig and feed some local swimming pigs by the boat.

The pigs learned that if you hold your hands out, that means you have no food and they move on.

Stop 4 – Lunch at Black Point

After having time with all those animals, we were starving! This is perfect because the next stop on our Exuma day tour was at Black Point to have an authentic Bahamian lunch. And let me tell you…it was SO GOOD!

We pulled up to a dock and had lunch on a balcony overlooking the water at the cutest small restaurant. 

Lunch spot at Black Point

We were actually getting sick of resort food and were pleasantly surprised at the nice buffet lunch they had planned out for us. 

We had an assortment of food and every piece was delicious. Even the kids enjoyed it (and they are normally picky eaters)!

Our lunch menu consisted of:

• Bakes Macaroni and Cheese
• Fried Cod (this was unbelievably delicious)
• Corn on the Cobb
• Ribs
• Rice and Peas
• Grilled Chicken
• Salad
• Drinks (soda and water) 

After lunch, we put the old wives’ tale to rest by jumping in the water and not waiting 30 minutes after we ate! And guess what… we actually survived. 

For the next 15-20 minutes, everyone took turns jumping off the dock and just having fun. The crew is really great and took pictures of everyone. 

Stop 5 – Normans Cay to Snorkel a Plane Crash

Another 30-minute boat ride (it goes super fast!) and we arrived at Normans Cay to snorkel an old plane crash. 

Not just any plane… a plane once owned by Pablo Escobar. 

The plane was stashed full of drugs and was attempting a quick takeoff to escape the police, but didn’t make it too far and ended up crashing a short way off the shore. Both pilots on board died. 

The plane is still fully intact (although heavily rusted) and you can snorkel all around it. There were also tons of colorful fish and coral which made the snorkeling that much better. Shore Thing Escapes included all our snorkel masks for us! And even lifevests for the kids. 

Stop 6 – Sandbar and Hidden Beach

The last stop on our excursion was the longest sand bar I had ever seen with a hidden beach. This sand bar was actually in the filming of Pirates of the Caribbean, where they exchange Davy’s Jones heart.

Literally, you could walk and walk and walk and never get that deep. The sand bar was endless, offering a unique opportunity to walk for miles in shallow water and take incredible photos.

We got VERY lucky and were the first boat to arrive at the sand bar and got to take some incredible photos. But other boats soon showed up and it got really crowded.

Atlantis Bahamas Resort Amenities and Services

Atlantis Bahamas Resort is designed to provide guests with a luxurious and unforgettable stay. Here are some of the top amenities and services you can enjoy:

Dining Options: Atlantis Bahamas boasts a variety of dining options to suit every palate. From fine dining restaurants offering gourmet cuisine to casual eateries and bars serving up delicious snacks and drinks, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a culinary journey without leaving the resort.

Private Beach: Bask in the sun on the resort’s private beach. With soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the Bahamian sunshine.

Water Park: Thrill-seekers will love the resort’s water park, featuring exhilarating water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. It’s a fun-filled adventure for both kids and adults.

Spa and Wellness: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment at the resort’s world-class spa. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage or a revitalizing facial, the spa offers a range of treatments to help you unwind. You can also stay active with fitness classes and wellness programs.

Why I LOVED Shore Thing Escapes

I know you can book with several other tour companies to go see the famous swimming pigs of the Bahamas, but there are several reasons why I would highly recommend Shore Thing Escapes for this trip.

One of the main highlights of the tour is the unforgettable sites you get to visit, including remarkable attractions like Harbour Island’s Pink Sands Beach and unique animal interactions.

They provide transportation. Which makes getting there and back super easy and efficient. One less thing to worry about!

They include a light breakfast, snacks, and plenty of drinks. They have soda and water for kids… and no limits on the Alcoholic drinks for the adults.

The boat has Wi-Fi on board! And it actually worked better than the Wi-Fi we had at our hotel.

The boat was comfortable. They had padded seats and even a bathroom on board. It also was not very crowded and everyone had room to really stretch out.

They give you a complimentary water bottle to use. And supply you with enough fresh drinking water for the entire trip.

They are environmentally friendly and conscious. A portion of all proceeds go back into helping the environment and getting plastics out of the ocean

The Staff was AMAZING! I seriously cannot say enough great things about them. They were kind, friendly, and helpful. When my daughter’s finger got bit by a pig, they attended to her wound right away and then spent extra time with her making her feel better.

They take your photos for you and they give you fun facts about where you are going and what you are seeing. The staff laughs and jokes and even has amazing dance moves we got to see on the boat!

They pointed out fun landmarks along the way… like Johnny Depp’s private island and other famous celebrities’ private islands… even where the Fyre Festival was supposed to be held.

Insider Tips and Recommendations

To make the most of your stay at Atlantis Bahamas Resort, here are some insider tips and recommendations:

• Book Excursions in Advance: Popular excursions, especially those involving the swimming pigs, tend to fill up quickly. Be sure to book your excursions well in advance to secure your spot, particularly during peak travel seasons.
• Take Advantage of Resort Amenities: Don’t miss out on the fantastic amenities the resort has to offer. Spend a day at the water park, relax on the private beach, or indulge in a spa treatment. These amenities are designed to enhance your stay and provide endless entertainment.
• Explore the Local Area: While the resort has plenty to offer, take some time to explore the local area. Visit the historic harbour of Nassau, where you can see massive cruise ships and historic forts. Discover the nearby islands and enjoy their unique attractions and natural beauty.
• Interact with the Local Wildlife: The Bahamas is home to some incredible wildlife. Don’t miss the chance to swim with the pigs, feed ancient rock iguanas, and swim with gentle nurse sharks. These animal interactions are truly unforgettable and add a special touch to your vacation.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure a memorable and enjoyable stay at Atlantis Bahamas Resort. Enjoy every moment of your Bahamian adventure!

If you do anything in the Bahamas…

Take the trip to see the swimming pigs! The pigs were so fun to see and experience but all the other stops really made this whole day unforgettable.

This one day was the best day of our entire trip, according to both the kids and the adults. A visit to Harbour Island’s Pink Sands Beach, one of the world’s top beaches, offers unique experiences like swimming with pigs and turtles, making it an appealing bucket list adventure.

Swimming with the famous pigs of the Bahamas is just something you cannot miss.

Pin for Later!