Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas
Bottle-feeding a pig in turquoise water and holding a tiny piglet on a Caribbean beach made this one of the most memorable—and funniest—shore excursions I have taken.
Is Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas Worth It?
For me, absolutely. It was unusual, funny, interactive and one of the highlights of my Caribbean cruise.
I had seen plenty of photographs of swimming pigs before my trip.
Actually standing in clear Caribbean water while a pig paddled toward me was something entirely different.
I booked the experience as a Royal Caribbean shore excursion during my Bahamas cruise.
What followed was part beach day, part animal encounter and part comedy show.
I bottle-fed a swimming pig, watched larger pigs wander along the shoreline and even had a chance to hold a piglet.
Firsthand review: I personally booked and participated in this Royal Caribbean swimming-pigs shore excursion. Excursion locations, activities, prices and animal-interaction rules can change, so check your specific cruise itinerary before booking.
Swimming with Pigs Excursion at a Glance
The Pigs Know When Visitors Arrive
Seeing pigs wander across a tropical beach is strange enough. Watching one start swimming toward you takes the experience to another level.
The beach itself was beautiful—white sand, clear turquoise water and all the scenery you expect from the Bahamas.
Then the pigs appeared.
Some stayed along the shoreline.
Others entered the water and paddled toward visitors.
The contrast between the tropical setting and the animals wandering through it was what made the whole experience feel so surreal.
Bottle-Feeding a Pig in the Caribbean
This was the moment I remember most clearly from the entire excursion.
I stood knee-deep in the water with a bottle while one of the pigs paddled directly toward me.
Once it realized where the food was, there was no hesitation.
The pig came right over, snout up and completely focused on lunch.
The crew showed us how to hold the bottle and managed the interaction so everyone knew what to do.
It was funny, a little chaotic and unlike anything I had done on another cruise excursion.
Then I Got to Hold a Piglet
As memorable as the swimming pigs were, the tiny piglet may have won the day.
After our time in the water, I had the opportunity to hold one of the smaller pigs.
It was warm, calm and surprisingly content to settle in for a photograph.
Standing on a white-sand beach with Caribbean water behind me while holding a piglet was not something I had ever pictured myself doing on a cruise.
That was exactly why I loved it.
Where Is the Famous Pig Beach in the Bahamas?
The original world-famous Pig Beach is Big Major Cay in the Exumas.
The Bahamas’ official tourism site identifies Big Major Cay as the home of the famous swimming pigs.
It is an uninhabited cay accessible only by boat.
But travelers should know that swimming-pig experiences are now offered in several parts of the Bahamas.
That means a cruise excursion advertised as “Swimming with Pigs” does not automatically mean your tour is going to Big Major Cay.
Check the exact shore-excursion description for your sailing rather than assuming every swimming-pigs tour visits the same island.
Was Booking Through Royal Caribbean Worth It?
For me, yes. I liked having transportation and excursion logistics organized through the cruise line.
I did not have to coordinate transportation independently or worry about piecing together the timing around the ship’s schedule.
The guides handled the experience once we arrived and explained how the animal interactions worked.
Excursions can change from sailing to sailing, though.
The exact location, duration, minimum age, accessibility requirements and activities should all be checked in the current Royal Caribbean excursion listing before you purchase.
I would also book early if this is one of your highest-priority activities, since limited-capacity excursions can sell out.
What Should You Expect From a Swimming-Pigs Excursion?
This is not a quiet wildlife-viewing experience. The pigs are active, food-motivated animals and the beach can be busy with other visitors.
The pigs can be much larger than photographs make them appear.
They know visitors often arrive with food.
Follow the crew’s instructions rather than improvising how or what to feed them.
Expect to get wet if you participate in the swimming portion.
And protect your camera or phone before stepping into the water.
What I Would Know Before Booking
Read the Exact Location
Do not assume every Bahamas swimming-pig excursion goes to Big Major Cay. Check the itinerary for your specific sailing.
Protect Your Phone
A waterproof case or pouch makes much more sense than trying to keep a normal phone dry while standing in the ocean.
Follow Feeding Instructions
The pigs are enthusiastic around food. Listen closely to the crew’s directions and use only food provided or approved by the operator.
Expect Real Animals
These are pigs, not costumed characters. They can be large, fast and persistent when food is involved.
Wear Beach-Friendly Clothing
Choose something you are comfortable getting wet and sandy rather than dressing only for photographs.
Book for the Experience
The photographs are fun, but the memory of a pig paddling toward you is what makes the excursion memorable.
Keep Exploring
If animal encounters are part of why you travel, read about my unexpected sea turtle encounter on Oahu.
For better photographs during fast-moving travel experiences, explore my Travel Photography Tips.
And if you are building a wish list of experiences around the world, visit my International Travel Bucket List.
Swimming with Pigs in the Bahamas FAQ
Is swimming with pigs in the Bahamas worth it?
It was for me. The combination of swimming, feeding the pigs, holding a piglet and spending time on a Caribbean beach made it one of the highlights of my cruise.
Where is the famous Pig Beach?
The original famous Pig Beach is Big Major Cay in the Exumas. Other Bahamas destinations also offer swimming-pig excursions.
Did you book through Royal Caribbean?
Yes. I booked my swimming-pigs experience as a Royal Caribbean shore excursion.
Do the pigs actually swim?
Yes. During my excursion, pigs entered the water and paddled toward visitors, particularly when food was involved.
Can you feed the pigs?
My excursion included a guided bottle-feeding experience. Feeding rules vary by location and operator, so follow the instructions provided on your specific tour.
Should you book the excursion early?
If swimming with pigs is a priority for your cruise, I would. Shore-excursion inventory is limited and popular experiences can sell out.
Yes, I Would Do It Again
Swimming with pigs was one of those travel experiences that was every bit as ridiculous—and as much fun—as it sounds.
I went back to the ship with photographs I could not have taken anywhere else.
But the best memory is still the simplest one:
Standing in turquoise Caribbean water while a pig paddled straight toward me looking for lunch.
About Angela
Angela Addington is the travel photographer and writer behind Lenses & Latitudes. She shares firsthand destination guidance and practical photography advice for independent and solo travelers, women over 50, road-trippers and weekend explorers. Learn more about Angela.
