The Bahamas is known for its breathtaking turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and laid-back island vibes—but did you know it’s also home to some of the most famous swimming pigs in the world? On our recent cruise aboard Margaritaville at Sea , my daughter had an excursion request – swimming with pigs! We had the chance to visit one of the pig beaches and experience this one-of-a-kind adventure firsthand. It was easily one of the most fun and unique things we’ve ever done as a family!
Arriving at Pig Beach
Our adventure started with a short bus ride from our cruise port. Literally the bus was waiting for us immediately as we walked through the port entrance. The bus driver and attendant were nice and informative as we took a 30 minute or so drive to the secluded spot on Crystal Beach in Freeport, Bahamas.
The scenery alone at the beach was enough to take our breath away—crystal-clear water, swaying palm trees, and the kind of soft white sand that feels like powdered sugar beneath your feet. But the real stars of the show? The pigs – and when we arrived we couldn’t see them but we could hear them!
Our excursion included beach time, so we enjoyed that for about 90 minutes before meeting the pigs. We enjoyed some cold drinks from the bar and a snack. Played some volleyball and waded in the beautiful water.
Right before getting in the water with the pigs they gave our group a safety demonstration on how to feed them and interact with them in the water. They made sure to clearly explain the proper way to feed the large pigs and even brought the kids up to the front to practice.
Swimming with the Pigs
After the safety demonstration, our group was led into the water, and everyone given a few skewers of apple pieces. A gate was opened and the pigs eagerly ran over over to us, their snouts poking up from the waves as if they were smiling. These pigs knew exactly what was going on and wasted no time swimming up for a treat!
We had heard stories and seen pictures of the famous swimming pigs, but nothing prepared us for the moment we saw them trotting along the beach and wading into the water to come snatch the apples from us. They were much bigger than we expected, with some of them looking more like small cows than the typical farm pigs we were anticipating! But despite their size, they were friendly, calm enough, and clearly well taken care of. Their coats were clean for pigs, they had plenty of space to roam, and their interactions with visitors were closely monitored by the guides to ensure both the pigs and guests had a safe and enjoyable experience.
My kids were absolutely thrilled and filled with laughter as these massive pigs were coming after the apples. At first, they were a little hesitant (because, let’s be honest, swimming with giant pigs isn’t something you do every day!), but within minutes, they were laughing and splashing alongside their new four-legged friends. The pigs were surprisingly good swimmers, gracefully gliding through the water like they had been doing it their whole lives—which, of course, they had!
The experience was unlike anything else we’ve done. There was something surreal about standing in crystal-clear Bahamian waters, surrounded by these happy, paddling pigs, while the sun shone down on us. It was truly a memory we’ll never forget.
Meeting the Piglets
After the pig feeding and swim, we had the sweetest surprise—getting to interact with and hold some of the baby pigs! The guides brought out a few adorable piglets, and we were able to gently hold and cuddle them. Their tiny snouts wiggled as they let out soft little grunts, and their fur was surprisingly coarse but clean. The kids were absolutely smitten, giggling as the piglets snuggled up in their arms. It was such a fun and heartwarming experience, and it gave us an even greater appreciation for how well these animals are cared for. Holding a baby pig on a beautiful beach in The Bahamas? Definitely a moment we won’t forget!
More Than Just Pigs: Relaxing on the Beach
While the pigs were the highlight of the excursion, the beach location they took us to was also incredible. After our pig interaction, we had more time to relax and enjoy everything the location had to offer.
As I mentioned, the location had a great grill and bar where we grabbed some delicious drinks and fresh island food. Nothing beats enjoying a Mudslide and some virgin daiquiris with your toes in the sand! The staff was friendly, and the laid-back island music playing in the background made it the perfect tropical escape.
The beach was well-equipped with lounge chairs, shaded areas, and tables, making it easy to sit back and soak in the scenery. There was a little gift shop and a market-style vendor set up for some Bahamas souvenirs to bring home.
Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly excursion that offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure island bliss, swimming with pigs in The Bahamas is a must. It’s such a unique experience, and it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
My kids and I loved how well-organized everything was—from the bus ride to the guided pig interactions to the extra time we had to enjoy the beach. And knowing that the pigs were well cared for made the experience even better.
So, if you find yourself cruising to The Bahamas and have the chance to swim with pigs—go for it! It’s one of those bucket list experiences that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Have you ever swum with pigs or done another unique animal encounter on vacation? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to check out more of our other family travel adventures here on Acupful.com.
Until next time—keep exploring, keep making memories, and always keep a little adventure in your heart!