Exuma Pigs Swimming at Big Major Cay
Exuma Pigs, the country’s most famous swimming pigs, still swim laps at Big Major Cay. Additionally, tour operators and the tourism ministry’s advisory recommend tighter stewardship to protect these iconic animals.
Protecting Exuma Pigs: Rules and Stewardship
They post rules, provide “pig-approved” foods, and install feeding troughs so guests don’t toss snacks on the sand. The approved list includes fruits, vegetables, bread, and pig feed. This approach works because keeping feed in the water prevents pigs from ingesting gritty sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths. Importantly, the ministry prohibits junk food and alcohol to safeguard the Exuma Pigs.
This approach works because keeping feed in the water prevents pigs from ingesting gritty sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths. Importantly, the ministry prohibits junk food and alcohol to safeguard the Exuma Pigs, the country’s most famous swimming pigs, are still doing laps at Big Major Cay. Additionally, tour operators and the tourism ministry’s advisory recommend tighter stewardship to protect these iconic animals. For example, there are posted rules, “pig-approved” foods, and a feeding trough so snacks aren’t tossed on the sand. The approved list is simple: fruits, vegetables, bread, and pig feed. This approach works because keeping feed in the water prevents pigs from ingesting gritty sand, which vets once linked to pig deaths. Importantly, junk food and alcohol are strictly prohibited to safeguard the Exuma Pigs.
Exuma Pigs Go National: Growth Across The Bahamas
Swimming-pig encounters now operate beyond Exuma: Rose Island off Nassau (Sandy Toes), Meeks Patch by Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, and Abaco market their own pigs. This growth proves that the product has gone national and viral, with multiple island options.


Scrutiny and Safety Enforcement
In 2023, the Ministry of Tourism investigated a Grand Bahama operator after a viral video alleged rough handling. Officials 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 or grabbing piglets.
Feeding Guidelines and Safety Tips
A quick refresher for readers and guides: Best treats include cut watermelon, apples, carrots, lettuce, plain bread, or bagged pig feed from your tour. Worst ideas are chips, cookies, anything salty or spicy, alcohol, and feeding on dry sand. If you’re nervous or empty-handed, show your palms so an eager hog doesn’t mistake your fingers for food. Regarding safety concerns, whispers about pigs being “pig-napped” occasionally appear on local forums, but these claims are hard to verify. Therefore, stick with licensed operators who keep a headcount and follow welfare protocols. For more details, visit https://new.magneticmediatv.com/
If we all behave, the original Exuma crew can keep paddling—and their upstart cousins around the islands can, too.