Booking choice: The Athol Island beach club, from $140 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Most "swimming pigs" tours sold in Nassau do not go to the famous Pig Beach in the Exumas. They visit pig colonies kept on Rose Island, Athol Island or Pearl Island, 20 to 35 minutes from downtown. That is not a scam, but you should know which one you are booking.
The quick answer
Choose a Nassau beach club (Rose or Athol Island, $79 to $150, about 4 hours) for more pig time, young children, cruise stops or seasickness. Choose Exuma (Big Major Cay, from $329 by boat or $850 by plane, a full day) for the original island, nurse sharks and sandbars.
How do Nassau and Exuma compare side by side?
Nassau is short, cheap and pig-focused; Exuma is long, expensive and a whole Exuma day with pigs in it.
| Nassau (Rose / Athol Island) | Exuma (Big Major Cay) | |
|---|---|---|
| Boat time | 20 to 35 min each way | About 2 h each way (or 40 min flight) |
| Total length | 2.5 to 5.5 hours | 6 to 9 hours |
| Time with pigs | 30 to 60 min, relaxed | 15 to 30 min |
| Price | $79 to $150 | $308 to $439 by boat, $850 fly-in |
| Also on the day | Beach club, lunch, snorkel, turtles | Nurse sharks, iguanas, sandbars, grotto |
| Cruise-friendly | Yes | Only with a late all-aboard |
Leaning to Nassau? Check dates for the Athol Island beach club.
Check dates for the Athol Island beach clubAre the Nassau pigs real swimming pigs?
Yes: real pigs in real water, kept on private beaches on Rose Island, Athol Island and Pearl Island for visitors.
They are not the original Big Major Cay colony, but the experience is similar, and you get more time with them.
Which Nassau pig tour is best?
The two most-booked are the Athol Island beach club (all-inclusive with rum punch) and the Rose Island pig swim (the most reviewed).
The Exclusive Swimming Pigs beach club is $140 with lunch, unlimited rum punch and water toys; the Rose Island pig swim is $129 with lunch and one drink. For turtles too, try the small-group pigs and turtles trip.
Want the most-reviewed trip? The Rose Island swim includes lunch and snorkel gear.
Explore the Rose Island pig swimIs it really swimming?
Mostly wading: you stand in clear, shallow water while the pigs paddle around you for treats.
That is true in Nassau and in Exuma. It is still a joy, especially holding a piglet, but pack expectations accordingly.
Who should choose Nassau?
Cruise passengers, families with young children, anyone prone to seasickness, and anyone who mainly wants to feed and hold the pigs.
The boat ride is short and the beach clubs have shade, food and washrooms.
Who should choose Exuma?
Travellers with a full free day who want the original island, the Exuma water colours, and the nurse sharks and sandbars as much as the pigs.
Short on time or sea legs? The fly-in version halves the travel. More in the Pig Beach guide.
Going for the original? Check dates for the Exuma Pig Beach day.
Check dates for the Exuma Pig Beach dayWhat about the price difference?
A Nassau morning costs about a third of an Exuma day.
Nassau runs $79 to $150; Exuma by boat $308 to $439, and the fly-in $850. Full breakdown in what swimming with the pigs costs.
Frequently asked questions
Do Nassau swimming pig tours go to Pig Beach in Exuma?
No. Half-day tours from Nassau visit pig colonies on Rose Island, Athol Island or Pearl Island. Only full-day Exuma trips or fly-in tours reach Big Major Cay.
Which is better for kids, Nassau or Exuma?
Nassau: the boat ride is 20 to 35 minutes and the beach clubs have food and shade. Several Exuma operators recommend their powerboat days for ages 12 and up.
Can I do both in one trip?
Yes, on separate days: a Nassau beach club on arrival or a cruise stop, and an Exuma day when you have a full free day.
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
