Exuma Cays · The Bahamas
Overview
A separate world from Nassau
The Exumas run roughly 130 miles through the center of The Bahamas. To the east lies the deep blue of Exuma Sound; to the west, the shallow, luminous waters of the bank. In between are hundreds of cays, many uninhabited, with sandbars, coral heads and sheltered anchorages.
The chain has two distinct parts. The long string of small Exuma Cays runs from Allan's Cays and Highbourne Cay in the north, through the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, to Staniel Cay and Big Major Cay. To the south, Great Exuma and Little Exuma are larger islands centered on George Town and its deep-water Elizabeth Harbour.
Pig Beach is on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited cay beside Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays, reached only by boat. It is not in Nassau. That single fact shapes every plan: visiting the pigs means either a long, weather-dependent day on a fast boat from Nassau, a short flight to a local base, or a multi-day charter that cruises the cays at a gentler pace.
Getting there
Three ways to reach the pigs
The best option depends on your time, budget, group and appetite for open water.
Fast-boat day trip from Nassau
A long day on a fast, capable boat, typically combining the pigs with Compass Cay's nurse sharks, Thunderball Grotto and lunch at Staniel Cay. It depends heavily on the weather, and runs are cancelled or rerouted when the sea is rough.
Longest dayFly in, then cruise locally
Fly to Staniel Cay or to Exuma International near George Town, then explore with a local boat. Less time in transit and more time in the water.
Most relaxedMulti-day crewed charter
A yacht or catamaran that cruises the cays over several days, mooring or anchoring in sheltered spots and visiting Pig Beach along the way.
The full Exumas
The swimming pigs
Visiting the pigs responsibly
The pigs of Big Major Cay swim out to greet visiting boats, which is exactly why they became famous. Their welfare depends on visitors behaving well.
In 2017, several pigs died, and early examinations pointed to sand ingested with food thrown onto the beach. Since then, the local community has added water supplies, care for sick animals and signage, and the official Bahamas tourism guidance asks visitors to feed only approved foods, such as fruit, vegetables, bread or locally sold pig feed, at the designated trough, never on the sand.
- Follow the posted rules and your captain's guidance.
- Never toss food onto the beach or into the water.
- Give piglets and sows space, and supervise children closely.
Beyond the pigs
Highlights of the Exuma Cays
From north to south, these are the stops most often woven into an Exumas charter.
Allan's Cays & their iguanas
Home to the Allen Cays rock iguana, a critically endangered subspecies protected under Bahamian law. Watch from a respectful distance and do not feed them.
Highbourne Cay
A private island marina in the northern cays, a convenient stop when cruising south from Nassau.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The Bahamas National Trust's flagship park, a protected no-take zone with moorings, wardens and headquarters at Warderick Wells.
Thunderball Grotto
A limestone cave made famous by the 1965 James Bond film Thunderball, and one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Exumas. Entry is easiest around low tide.
Compass Cay
Known for docile nurse sharks that gather at the dock, where visitors can swim alongside them.
Great Exuma & Stocking Island
George Town's Elizabeth Harbour and nearby Stocking Island, with beaches, stingrays and a laid-back island scene.
Exuma Park
Rules of a protected sea
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, established in 1958, covers 176 square miles and is managed by the Bahamas National Trust. Inside it:
- Nothing living or dead may be removed: no fishing, conching, lobstering or shelling.
- Boats use mooring fields where provided and never anchor on coral.
- Idle speeds apply in mooring fields and anchorages, and visitors pack out all trash.
- Mooring, anchorage and landing fees apply, and moorings cannot be reserved in advance.
Based on the park's published boundary, Big Major Cay and Staniel Cay appear to lie just south of the park, but the same respect applies everywhere in the cays.
Seasons
Weather matters here
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Winter cold fronts arrive roughly every week or two from about December into spring, often with strong winds for a day or two. Open-water runs from Nassau are the first to be affected, so flexible dates make a big difference.
For the best chance of a smooth trip, we look at the forecast with you and suggest a backup day where possible.
Current fleet & availability
Plan Pig Beach the right way
Tell us your dates, group size and whether you would prefer a fast-boat day from Nassau, a fly-in day or a multi-day trip. We will check suitable vessels and talk you through the weather.
Related destinations
More of the islands
Pig Beach & Exumas FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters to Pig Beach & the Exumas
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Pig Beach & Exumas. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Is Pig Beach in Nassau?
No. The original Pig Beach is on Big Major Cay, beside Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays, southeast of Nassau. Pigs at other islands near Nassau, such as Rose Island, are a different experience.
Can I visit Pig Beach as a day trip from Nassau?
Yes, on a fast, capable boat in settled weather, but it is a long day with extended open-water runs. Flying to Staniel Cay or Great Exuma, or choosing a multi-day charter, can be more relaxed.
How far is Pig Beach from Nassau?
Published figures range from about 75 to 89 miles, depending on the route and the source. Travel time depends on the vessel and sea conditions.
Can I fly closer to Pig Beach?
Yes. Staniel Cay has an airstrip, and Exuma International Airport near George Town serves Great Exuma. Flight schedules change, so check current options.
Can we feed the pigs at Pig Beach?
The official tourism guidance asks visitors to offer only approved foods, such as fruit, vegetables, bread or locally sold pig feed, at the designated trough, and never to throw food onto the sand.
Is Pig Beach inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park?
Based on the park's published boundary, Big Major Cay appears to lie just south of it. The park itself, to the north, is a strict no-take zone with fees and mooring rules.
Can we fish in the Exumas?
Not inside the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, where nothing may be removed. Fishing elsewhere is subject to Bahamian regulations and permits.
Are the Compass Cay sharks safe to swim with?
The Bahamas tourism board describes them as docile nurse sharks, and many visitors swim alongside them at the dock. Follow the guidance given on site.
When is the best time to visit the Exumas?
Calmer periods outside winter cold fronts and the peak hurricane months are ideal, but conditions vary year to year. Flexible dates are the best insurance.
Can we snorkel Thunderball Grotto on the way to Pig Beach?
Often, yes. Thunderball Grotto, a limestone cave beside Staniel Cay made famous by a 1965 James Bond film, is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Exumas and is commonly paired with the pigs. Entry is easiest around low tide, so timing depends on the tide.
Is Pig Beach close to George Town on Great Exuma?
Not especially. George Town is on Great Exuma, further south in the chain, while Pig Beach is on Big Major Cay beside Staniel Cay. Boat trips to the pigs do run from Great Exuma, but Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the nearest marina.