Bahamas swimming pigs are not an illusion. If you find yourself in an ocean setting surrounded by a colony of joyous brown and pink pigs confidently playing in the water, chances are that you are not dreaming, but are actually vacationing on the Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas.
The area where this incredible phenomenon takes place is the picturesque Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island, and the experience can only be described as memorable and extraordinary.Each year, thousands of tourists visit the island for an unrivaled view of the playful pigs frolicking in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas.
HOW DID THE PIGS ARRIVE AT THE ISLAND?
The legends related to the mysterious arrival of the Bahamas swimming pig are numerous, but there is not sufficient evidence to support any one story and to really know what happened. Some speculate that the wild pigs swam to shore from a shipwrecked supply boat; others suggest they escaped from a nearby islet. There is also the claim that there is a hidden business agenda behind the appearance of the unique pigs, and they were actually brought to Pig Island.
No matter what the truth is, it’s a fact – swimming with pigs in the Exuma has turned into a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the globe who are anxious to watch them splashing in the transparent blue waters of the Bahamas.
The swimming pigs live on the delicious treats that vacationers dump from yachts and boats. They drink from a freshwater pond in the area and seem to be delighted withtheir free and happy life. The pigs joyfully run and swim in the tropical paradise leaving observers enchanted and entertained.
HOW CLOSE AND PERSONAL CAN YOU GET?
• If you’d like a closer interaction with the charming, sociable animals, make sure you bring enough hot dogs, sausages, frankfurters and even apple cores to catch their attention. Be careful, however, as the wild nature of the pigs can find expression in a variety of ways.
• When giving them food, take care as they canwind up biting you in their voracious pursuit of treats. The weight of the adult pigs is around 150 pounds and so they are quite big. Once they have satiated their hunger, they move away as quickly and playfully as they approached.
• If you are on a boat, don’t be surprised if the swimming pigs try to jump aboard looking for food!
• Swimming with pigs in the Exuma can be slightly dangerous and you have to keep your wits about you, but this fun activity attracts a lot of tourists. Snorkelers often amuse themselves playing around the lively Bahamas swimming pigs.
THE SWIMMING PIGS ARE A POPULAR ATTRACTION
The sight of the brown and pink pigs paddling in the transparent waters and running on the exotic white sands creates a surreal island vision, bizarre and unique in its own way. The view is remarkable and endearing. The swimming pigs impress visitors with their smooth aquatic skills and mischievous nature, and happily splash in the beautiful azure waters while curious groups of tourists flock to get glimpses of them.
Pig Island is characterized by its fresh natural spring water and is protected by a group of neighboring islands that maintain the tranquility of the waters. The more adventurous visitors can continue their exploration in the area by stopping at beaches full of amorous nurse sharks and stunning green iguanas that love grapes and other delicious treats!
Put swimming with the pigs in the Exumas on you must-do list and you will really enjoy a unique experience!
