Pig Island, sounds a strange name but the place is stranger still in terms of the bountiful nature and its near extravagance. And, on top of that, it is mostly uninhabited yet sought after. That is the bigger strangeness of this place. Officially called the Big Major Cay, the Pig Island is located in Exuma in the Bahamas that has been welcoming tourists from the worldwide locations.
Pig Island in Bahamas got this name presumably because it is populated by a colony of the feral pigs that abound in this island and live off the surrounding shallows. Various anecdotes are in the circulation as to why this island has got this name.
While one version is that tourists dropped pigs there presumably to cook them after their return from the neighbouring islands, but never returned. Another anecdote narrates that the pigs survived a shipwreck.
Regarding the location of the Pig Island, it is a part of the Exuma district in Bahamas comprising of 365 islands in all. From the pristine white sands to the turquoise waters and dense green bushes and the thick foliage lend et al; this place an aura of its own. Every year, thousands of tourists make their way to the Pig Island in the Bahamas to have a date with both foliage and the feral lives—a rare opportunity in any other part of the world.
Best Time To Visit Pig Island In Bahamas
Being in the tropical zone, the months of November and December are ideal to visit this island. During these months, the weather is simply fantastic with cool breeze and less heat. The place will be relatively quieter during this period. The months between June to November (including summer and rainy seasons) are the offseason. Post-August, the place is prone to hurricanes which force the authorities to tend the pigs to the safer shelters.
The months of June and July witness sparse crowds thereby affording a more leisure time with the pigs to the small crowd of the tourists. The period between December and mid-April is the busiest of the seasons. Tourists arrive in droves leaving less one-to-one time with the pigs.
Choose your time of visit accordingly to make the most of this unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.
What To Expect At Pig Island
To have an exclusive date with the hogs, it is better to visit this place early in the morning. Ensure to be there at the beach latest by 9 AM so that you can spend time with the pigs without being bothered by the milling crowds. Usually, the pigs are known to retire for a siesta after 12 noon, and you would not want to come back dissatisfied. Catch them when they are their active self in the first half of the day and click pictures for posterity.
While playing or swimming with pigs in Pig Island remember not to heckle them or throw stones at the hogs. Pat them gently, stroke their manes but remain cautious about their moods. Don’t give them any beverages and food that you bring with you.
4 Things To Do In Pig Island
There are a number of things you can try during your visit to Pig Island in order to make the most of it. A few things have been listed below!
1. Snorkelling At James Bond Thunderball Grotto
Let yourselves loose at the famous cave that shot up into fame with the filming of the James Bond movie, Thunderball.
2. Swimming With The Nurse Sharks
This is a unique experience at the Compass Cay with the rare species of shark which are harmless to humans. The longest ones measure up to seven feet in length.
3. Watching The Bahamian Rock Iguanas
These exotic animals were in the past hunted for food by the locals. Subsequent to the government putting them under the Endangered Species, the Iguanas are a protected lot now. This type of animal is special to these areas and you would not get a better opportunity elsewhere to have a close look at them and their lives.
4. Watching Turtles At The Farmers Cay
This place is famous for its abundant wildlife too. The turtles are the special attractions. Shake your leg with these lovely creatures. Enjoy the fresh and delicious conch dishes as well. Tourists can also have a great time at the Sand Bars located at the Farmers Cay. Known locally as the “Mile-Long-Sandbar”, the place is an ideal one for sunbathing, picnicking and shelling activities.
What To Bring To The Pig Island Trip
Like any other travel to an island far off from your place, the trip to Pig Island in the Bahamas will call for careful planning when it comes to packing your suitcases. Remember, the place is uninhabited and you cannot buy an essential if you forget to pack them into your backpack. Ensure to carry the following in with you when you leave your hotel to the island:
- An extra pair of clothes
- A bikini or swimsuit
- A couple of towels
- Sunscreen
- A little cash (maybe around $100)
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Water shoes
- An insect repellent
The Bahamas are home for the beautiful environment and heart-warming surroundings. The white-sandy beaches, crystal blue and turquoise waters, strange and protected species of the aquatic beings, rare shrubs and greenery prove a unique attraction for the tourists from across the world.
How Reach Pig Island
There is a cluster of 365 islands in Exuma, Bahamas. However, the pigs are exclusively found in the Big Major Cay which has come to be fondly known as the Pigs Island. Tourists must reach the Nassau Paradise Island Airport first from wherever they are flying in. That is the biggest airport in the group of islands and that receives international traffic too. Hop into a flight which takes you from there to Staniel Cay, Farmer’s Cay or Great Exuma – a flight of less than 20 minutes duration. The only way to reach Pig Island from either of these places is boat and nothing else.
If you need exclusivity in travel to fathom the richness of nature around, you can charter a private boat or else ride in the common boat to the Pig Island. Whichever option you choose, it is always better to plan in advance to make the right reservations for hassle-free enjoyment.
Pig Island in the Bahamas is all about fun and various exclusive experiences that you’ll cherish forever. In order to make the most of your trip to the Bahamas, you must plan a visit to this island. However, make sure you have gone through the guide provided above!
