Swimming pigs rules, safety and welfare

What happened to the swimming pigs in 2017?

In early 2017 at least seven pigs on Big Major Cay died, and vets found large amounts of sand in their stomachs.

Visitors had been throwing food onto the beach, and an unusually dry winter had dried up the pigs' fresh water. Early reports blamed tourists giving the pigs alcohol; the vets pointed to the sand.

How did the colony recover?

Staniel Cay residents and volunteers added feeding troughs, water tanks with guttering, piglet nurseries and regular vet visits.

Feeding in the water, off the sand, became the standard rule for every operator.

What are the feeding rules?

Feed in the water, never on the sand, and only fruit, vegetables or pig feed.

• Feed in the water, never on the sand: a pig eating off the beach swallows sand with every bite.
• Only fruit, vegetables or pig feed; never alcohol, chips, sweets or processed food.
• Use a flat palm or the feeding stick or cup the crew gives you.
• Do not hold food above a pig's head so it jumps or snaps.
• No riding, chasing or grabbing; let the crew hand you a piglet if holding is allowed.
• Take your rubbish back to the boat.

Do the swimming pigs bite?

They can nip, mostly by accident while grabbing food.

Keep snacks out of sight until you are ready, feed with a flat palm, and never hold food above a pig so it jumps at you. Nips happen almost always at feeding time.

Are the swimming pigs safe for children?

Yes, with care: most tours take all ages, and holding a piglet is a highlight for kids.

Adult boars can be heavy and pushy in the water, so keep small children behind you when they arrive, and listen to the crew. The Nassau tours manage feeding closely, which is one reason they suit young families; see Nassau or Exuma.

Travelling with kids? The Rose Island swim is short, calm and supervised.

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Explore the Rose Island pig swim →

How do you protect your phone and belongings?

Pigs have poor eyesight and a great sense of smell, so they may mistake a phone or a bag for lunch.

Keep snacks sealed and your phone on a lanyard or in a waterproof pouch.

How do you choose an ethical pig tour?

Pick operators that feed in the water, supply appropriate feed and do not let guests ride or chase the pigs.

Crews that manage feeding closely are better for the pigs and for you.

Frequently asked questions