There are travel experiences that make you smile long after the moment has passed—and then there are the ones that make you pause mid-vacation and think, “Is this real life?” Swimming with pigs in the Bahamas was exactly that kind of moment for me.
During my Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean, I signed up for the famous Swimming with Pigs shore excursion, and it turned into one of the highlights of my entire trip. I had seen photos online before, but nothing prepared me for how fun, hilarious, and joy-filled this experience would be.
Where It All Happens: Pig Beach in the Bahamas
The excursion takes you to one of the Bahamas’ most iconic and playful attractions—Pig Beach, home to both tiny piglets and huge, brown-and-spotted beach-loving pigs. The water here is the kind of turquoise you usually see only in screen savers and travel magazines. Even before the pigs arrive, the setting looks like a scene pulled straight from paradise.
Once our boat pulled up to the beach, the pigs came trotting out to greet us. Some swam, some waddled right along the shoreline, and all of them seemed thrilled to meet their new visitors.
Bottle-Feeding a Pig in Crystal-Clear Water
My favorite moment happened right in the water: bottle-feeding one of the pigs while standing knee-deep in the ocean. The pig paddled toward me with all the enthusiasm of a puppy. As soon as it realized I had the bottle, it nudged closer, snout up, ready for lunch. It was hilarious, adorable, and honestly one of the most unique animal encounters I’ve ever had.
The crew was great about showing us how to hold the bottles safely and respectfully, and they kept the experience organized while still giving us plenty of time to interact with the pigs.
Cuddles with the Sweetest Little Piglet
After the swim, I had a chance to hold a piglet who instantly stole my heart. Soft, warm, and surprisingly calm, this little one snuggled right in for photos. It’s not every day you get to cuddle a baby pig on a white-sand beach with Caribbean waves behind you—definitely a bucket-list moment.
A Beach Day Like No Other
The beach itself was lively, with fellow cruisers laughing, snapping photos, and enjoying the sunshine. Large pigs wandered freely along the shoreline, happy to pose, explore, and occasionally trot over to anyone who might have a snack. It felt like part beach day, part wildlife encounter, and part comedy show.
This is the kind of excursion that’s fun for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re an animal lover or simply looking for an adventurous story to tell when you get home, Pig Beach delivers.
Booking the Excursion Through Royal Caribbean
One of the biggest perks of doing this as a Royal Caribbean shore excursion is the convenience. Everything—from transportation to timing—is handled for you, and you’re guaranteed to be back before the ship departs. The guides were professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about caring for the pigs.
If you’re planning a Bahamas cruise, look for the “Swimming with Pigs” or “Pig Beach Adventure” option when browsing shore excursions. It sells out quickly, so booking early is smart.
Is Swimming with Pigs Worth It? Absolutely.
This experience was unforgettable—equal parts charming, adventurous, and laugh-out-loud fun. If you’re cruising through the Bahamas with Royal Caribbean, put this excursion at the top of your list. It’s the kind of once-in-a-lifetime travel moment you’ll talk about for years.
And trust me: nothing says “Caribbean vacation” quite like having a pig swim up to you in crystal-clear water.
