The country’s most famous “Bahamians” are still doing laps. Tour operators and the tourism ministry’s own advisory point to tighter stewardship at Big Major Cay (Pig Beach, Exuma)—think posted rules, “pig-approved” foods, and a feeding trough so snacks aren’t tossed on sand. The approved list is simple: fruits, vegetables, bread and pig feed. The logic is equally simple: keep feed in the water and out of the sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths when animals gulped gritty beach bites. Junk food and alcohol are out, full stop.
What’s changed most is the competition. Swimming-pig encounters now operate well beyond Exuma: Rose Island off Nassau (Sandy Toes), Meeks Patch by Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, and Abaco all market their own pigs—proof that the product has gone national (and viral) with multiple island options. That growth brings scrutiny. The Ministry of Tourism investigated a Grand Bahama operator in 2023 after a viral video alleged rough handling; officials later said they found no evidence of mistreatment but reminded operators and guests to follow the rules. Bottom line: book reputable outfits, feed only approved foods, and skip the stunts (no riding, no grabbing piglets).
A quick refresher for readers and guides: Best treats = cut watermelon, apples, carrots, lettuce, plain bread, or bagged pig feed from your tour. Worst ideas = chips, cookies, anything salty or spicy, alcohol, and feeding on dry sand (risk of sand ingestion). If you’re nervous or empty-handed, show your palms so an eager hog doesn’t mistake fingers for food. And those whispers about pigs being “pig-napped”? Claims pop up on local forums from time to time, but are hard to verify—another reason to stick with licensed operators who keep a headcount and follow welfare protocols.
If we all behave, the original Exuma crew can keep paddling—and their upstart cousins around the islands can, too.
