Booking choice: The Athol Island beach club, from $140 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Two things matter: the time of day, which decides how active the pigs are, and the season, which decides the sea state, the crowds and the weather risk.
The quick answer
Go in the morning, when the pigs are most active and hungry; afternoon visits often find them napping in the shade. The calmer months run roughly November to May. December to April is peak season with the most boats; September to mid-November is quietest but sits in hurricane season.
What time of day is best to see the pigs?
Morning: the pigs are most active and hungry, and swim out eagerly to meet the boats.
By mid-afternoon many are asleep under the trees. Book the earliest slot you can.
Book a morning slot. Check dates for the Athol Island beach club.
Check dates for the Athol Island beach clubWhich months have the calmest sea?
Roughly November to May, which matters most for the two-hour powerboat run to Exuma.
Nassau trips are short enough that sea state matters less. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a Nassau beach club or the Exuma fly-in.
When is peak season?
December to April, with the most boats at Pig Beach and the busiest cruise schedules in Nassau.
Book ahead in peak weeks, and pick an early slot to beat the crowds.
When is the quietest time?
September to mid-November, but that sits inside hurricane season, when trips can be cancelled for weather.
Book with free cancellation so a weather cancellation is refunded rather than lost.
Travelling in shoulder season? The Rose Island swim cancels free up to 24 hours before.
Explore the Rose Island pig swimWhat does hurricane season mean for pig tours?
Hurricane season runs June to November; operators cancel trips when the weather turns, especially the open-water Exuma runs.
Every tour listed on this site cancels free up to 24 hours before. Keep a spare day if the Exuma trip is a must.
Is a cruise day a good time to go?
Yes for Nassau pig beaches, which fit a port day; choose an early slot, because beaches get busier as more ships arrive.
See the cruise excursion guide for timing.
What is the best plan overall?
A morning trip in the November to May window, booked with free cancellation.
For the original island, keep a flexible day for Exuma; for pig time, a Nassau morning. Compare them in Nassau or Exuma.
Ready to pick a date? Check dates for the Exuma Pig Beach day.
Check dates for the Exuma Pig Beach dayFrequently asked questions
Are the swimming pigs there all year?
Yes. The pigs live on the islands year-round; what changes is the weather, the crowds and how active they are at different times of day.
Is it worth seeing the pigs in the afternoon?
You will still see them, but many nap in the shade by mid-afternoon. Mornings are livelier.
What happens if my tour is cancelled for weather?
Operators cancel for unsafe weather; on Viator you can also cancel free up to 24 hours before.
Ready to book
Choose your pig day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Exclusive Swimming Pigs, Snorkel & Beach Club
- Speedboat transfer from Elizabeth on Bay, Bay Street
- Pig encounter with feed included
- Plated lunch (American, Bahamian or vegetarian) + unlimited rum punch
Rose Island Pig Swim & Beach Club
- 30-minute boat ride each way (lifejackets on board)
- Swimming pigs encounter on a private beach
- Bahamian lunch + one soft drink
Exuma Island Hopping & Pig Beach by Powerboat
- Powerboat from Carnivale Bahamas, Paradise Island (check in 30 min early)
- Swimming pigs of Big Major Cay
- Snorkel gear, snacks, local beer and soft drinks
