Astronauts have been quoted over history for saying the Bahamas' Exuma Cays are the most beautiful view on Earth when viewed from space. I threw my open palms in the air signaling to them that I didnt have any food on me, and they recognized that and quickly lost interest. Local Islands. They were a lot bigger than I imagined! ivy frank ocean - . Then we need to be friends! Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. | What would you like to see on pig island ? Looking at the bigger picture - according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), there have been just 464 fatal attacks worldwide in the last 500 years. Many diving experts recommend staying close the reef wall or seabed to avoid leaving yourself exposed. The tiger shark has the reputation of being aggressive, but they can still be swimmed and dived with, without any danger. And the things I saw tourists do for the sake of a selfie photo were. This nature-based attraction is a favorite amo, Theres an unmistakable charm to Caribbean beaches that is enough to want to plan a vacation around them, just for the peace, fun, and relaxation it is sure to bring. Ship Channel Cay is quite small at around two miles long and half a mile wide. Without killing the pigs (or giving the piglets away to locals for food), there would be no way to maintain the small population of pigs on the various islands. This can cost around $135-$250 USD a seat. Have there been any shark attacks in the Maldives? We brought grapes and potatoes and the pigs seemed please! Where are all the other pigs? I asked one tour guide who was boasting about how she named all the piglets, and comes every day to feed them pancakes or veggies. At this point, you might be thinking, Whats she so worked up about? What's included? Packing for your swimming pigs adventure You will see many sharks, but they won't be interested in you and for the most part, are completely harmless. This clearly wasnt a big, lush island that pigs inhabited. This island is one of the many uninhabited islands of The Bahamas and it is primarily used for tours. While I was in the Bahamasfor just one week, I heard several first-hand stories from tourists who were bitten by the pigs. There were tons of them! Many travelers to the Bahamas stick around Nassau and New Providence Island. Getting to Pig Island from Exuma A day in the exumas Thunderball Grotto Snorkel in Underwater Caves One of the most popular snorkelling spots in The Exumas, this cave system is a thrill for all ages. Great article The blacktip reef shark is easily spotted, The biggest and largest fish in the sea, the Whale Shark, is a stunning, harmless fish providing incredible and common encounters with humans in the Maldives, especially in. If you're looking to become a certified PADI Open Water diver, check out out, but they won't be interested in you and for the most part, are completely harmless. They were so excited for the apples that they made their way as fast as they could from person to person." The pigs were friendly. Heres What a Compassionate Traveler Learned, Host a Fun, Festive Community Fundraiser for PETA, A Dozen Documentaries That Are Changing the World, This Earth Day, Stick a Fork in the Climate Catastrophe by Going Vegan. Before setting up to take photos, make sure youre completely aware of your surroundings. Home All Posts Vegan Travel Sadly, Pig Beach Isnt Paradise for the Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas. This habit has two advantages: First, a shark cannot startle you by sneaking up behind you outside of your field of vision. heres something about the astounding depths of the ocean covering 70 per cent of the earths surface which has always intrigued humans. They can be a danger to the tourists, so they have to go.. The pigs came to the water when they heard our dingy, but when we clearly were not feeding them they mostly ignored us and quite a few were just sleeping. You can also do combination tours of Big Major Cay and Compass Cay (swimming with nurse sharks) or Big Major Cay and the Pablo Escobar sunken drug plane tour. Its amazing there are not already more serious stories circling about serious injuries at Pig Island but its only a matter of time. It is important to respect the animals and be kind to them so that they return the favor. This account already exists. Insider tip: Sandals Emerald Bay is a great option if you want to do exciting tours and excursions in The Bahamas including visiting Pig Island. Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island in the Bahamas, is home to dozens of feral pigs. Most tours just spend a few hours on the island and then return to the mainland. Founded in 1802, St. Andrew's Anglican Church is a landmark worth visiting, especially for tourists with a wild appreciation for historic dwellings of worship. We have given this trip a 'Moderate' grading. Despite all these problems, Pig Beach has seen a recent surge in popularity, with tourists visiting from all around the world. There are hundreds of sanctuaries all around the world where you can visit pigs, rub their bellies, and support liberation rather than exploitation. Their supply of fresh water on the island is limited and sometimes even dries up. Around $50 USD or BSD should suffice, preferably in smaller bills. Staying in a water bungalow in the Maldives is the top post-lockdown holiday experience that Britons are dreaming about, according to a new survey. Thank you for shattering my dreams. I had not thought about it ahead of time but you do need to dodge some pig poo in the water. Research and be comfortable with the dive environment, know the water temperature, currents, visibility and equipment configuration. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sharks generally move slowly and steadily. Some visitors seemed scared of them but they're like hoofed puppies. Expert tip: There are lots of other exciting things to do in The Bahamas! The tiny island of Meeks Patch Island in northern Eleuthera is home to swimming pigs, ducks, and even a turkey! But the original, and most popular, is a stretch of ivory-white sand in the Exumas known as Pig Beach. (Wind and wave activity) I don't know for certain if the sand bar is a guarantee. They are exposed to the sun, rain, and especially the harsh Caribbean storms and hurricanes. To find out how you can make this dream a reality, see below the best places to swim with incredible marine life (and some land mammals too). Their intention? The whale shark being rare and endangered, is a protected species in the Maldives. If you're staying in Nassau or The Exumas, you can easily book a day trip to see the swimming pigs. In terms of the possible changes when it comes to feeding the pigs, the relevant authorities have proposed that a warden might soon be posted at the beach and boundary lines laid out. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. There are only a few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales in the wild and Tonga is one of them. The Famous Bahamas Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach You'll approach Pig Beach by boat as it's the only way to get there. Diving with sharks is a unique, humbling and incredible experience. Welcome to Pig Island Where all pigs go to heaven. Eleuthera is well-known for its pink sand beaches, and for being one of the few Caribbean surfing destinations in The Bahamas. You can also rent a boat and take yourself to Pig Island for about $250 USD per day. They take you on a half day guided tour, along with some other sites including the iguanas and little beaches. (SHUTTLE). Dreaming of swimming with these stunning animals? The price of this tour varies based on the tour operator, so it is a good idea to shop around before selecting the best one for you. Water is always welcome! Depending on whom you ask, you might hear stories about how the pigs were brought to The Bahamas by sailors (or possibly even hungry pirates!). Required fields are marked *. There are a few other islands in The Bahamas where you're likely to find swimming pigs. - Michelle . Expert tip: There's lots more things to do in Exuma besides swimming with pigs. They explored my hands, my shoes, my cameraeverythingwith their little snouts covered in sand. Cover image credit: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com If youre planning a trip to Jamaica, make sure to add Good Hope Estate to your itinerary for an unforgettable island adventure. There are about 20 pigs on this island and piglets as well. If this doesnt bother you, consider the safety of the tourists. The average daily swim distance is around 5km (split over a minimum of two swims). This includes tours to see the rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay, visits to Thunderball Grotto (made famous by James Bond), and to the Exuma Sand Bars at Pipe Cay. Dive with someone that has experience too. 4. Pig Beach is the famous beach where the Swimming Pigs live, which is on Pig Island (also known as Big Major Cay). While Exuma is the nearest island to the best swimming pigs excursions in The Bahamas, it is not hard to plan a trip to Pig Island from Nassau. We went on a private tour on a Monday in March and it was perfect. At least these swimming pigs arent locked up on a factory farm! And thats a fair point. Most of them were huge which was a little intimidating. St. Andrew's Anglican Church. Skeptical and increasingly concerned for the welfare of the world renowned and beloved swimming pigs in the Bahamas, I dug further. Finally, for every 1 human killed by a shark approximately 25 millionsharks are killed by humans. Although the hogs are cute but my townhouse is not fit for a large hog. Please help spread the word to let people know that Pig Island is no paradise for the pigs, but rather a tourist attraction not a whole lot different from Sea World or the Zoo. Though the main currency of these islands is the Bahamian Dollar, USD is widely accepted. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Some critics believe the pigs ingest too much sand during feedings with humans, causing them to get sick, but no other deaths have been reported since. Giant green sea turtles are often found along this part of the coast, and can make for some spectacular sights. The famous pigs of Pig Island are wild, yet they can be playful, adorable, and hungry! Would like to insert exploitation on third-world countries by developed nations. to my first and only comment because there doesnt seem to be a way to edit comments. Where and how to visit the original swimming pigs She said: Like anyone, too much sun is not good. I would like to see your write up on the deliberate exploitation of humans by the big players involved in this pandemic or even the deliberate exploitation by developed countries of the natives of the third world countries like Haiti or some parts of Africa. These pigs reside on various islands in this territory including Eleuthera, Rose Island, Abaco, and Ship Channel Cay, but the main island where you can find swimming pigs in The Bahamas is Big Major Cay. The 176 square mile park is a no-take park where nothing within its boundaries can be removed. And then, of course, there are its inhabitants; the creatures which thrive beneath the waves, inhabiting parts of the ocean we may never reach or even discover, continue to spellbound. First things first, lets talk about petting the pigs. As we see time and again, profiting off of the lives of others often leads to exploitation. It is possible to pay for tours in The Bahamas using U.S. dollars (USD). Maldives Scuba Diver. There are so many wonderful places to travel and summer vacation activities to participate in without exploiting animals. Instead of googling Where can you swim with pigs? and booking a flight, plan a trip to an animal sanctuary like Farm Sanctuary or Animal Place! Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. If you're a keen diver (or simply want to learn how to dive) and wondering where to go on your next holiday, look no further - the Maldives has all you could ever wish for! Yes, there will be opportunities to take photos during your visit to Pig Island. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. What types of sharks are there in the Maldives? A few other tips include bringing lots of sunscreen, water, and snacks with you on the boat. Between June and October each year, around 2,000 manta rays arrive at the island. If your heart is set on going, you could always document the conditions, ask the tough questions of the locals, and spread awareness about the reality of the situation. This can be easily arranged via a tour. The Maldives. Swimming Pigs at Pig Island Bahamas The swimming pigs exuma truly are charming, and as your boat pulls into the bay of Pig Beach Bahamas, you'll find that they actually swim out to you. Interact with them, pet them, and enjoy the experience of swimming with pigs living their best lives. .tiktok-ze5eiw-SpanViews{-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;padding-right:12px;color:rgba(22, 24, 35, .75);}4420 views|.tiktok-15ooo5t-H4Link{font-family:ProximaNova,Arial,Tahoma,PingFangSC,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;display:inline;color:rgba(22, 24, 35, .75);margin-left:12px;}.tiktok-15ooo5t-H4Link a{color:rgba(22, 24, 35, .75);}. Skip the theme parks and opt for an open ocean encounter with a dolphin. Pig Island Bahamas is the most visited attraction in the country. Most tours are around four hours though some can be more or less. Where and how to visit the original swimming pigs, The best time to go swimming with the pigs, Tips for interactiong with the swimming pigs, FAQs about swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas, Eleuthera Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling Experience, best places to go snorkeling in The Bahamas, Escape To Paradise: Experience Adventure And Relaxation At Good Hope Estate, Grenada Beaches: The 9 Best Beaches on the Island to Soak in the Sun. though there may soon be some restrictions implemented regarding who can feed the pigs, and when (more details later). This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 10, maybe 15 piglets. Do not feed the pigs if you are scared - Plain and simple, this is a no-no. Only 3 shark species are responsible for most human bites and fatalities: the great white, the bull shark and the tiger shark, but even with these, most bites are inspired more by curiosity than animosity. Transfer from El Valle de Antn to Santa Catalina. No other tourists at the time were there. While you will take a chance with the weather, you may find that the island is significantly less crowded during these months. We get to pet, feed and swim with the pigs including a couple ma. There is likely to be more shark activity on a dive, but, conversely, a greater potential risk as they search for prey at those times of the day. We traveled here through exuma water sports and they were all AMAZING!! Where are all the other pigs? I asked one tour guide who was boasting about how she named all the piglets, and comes every day to feed them pancakes or veggies. Various tour companies will have different prices for this excursion. The pigs on Big Major Cay are a large part of the attraction, but this is also quite a beautiful island with pristine white sand beaches and a small forest. How many types of sharks are there in the Maldives? Dawn and dusk are hunting times for many types of sharks. There are a few excursions that you can do in The Bahamas that will not only let you see the swimming pigs but also tie in other nature-oriented excursions. So, targeting GTs here is a great opportunity to try out the Maldives' most popular fishing methods - jigging and popping. You'll also receive a blank shopping list you can customize yourself, plus our weekly e-newsletter with delicious plant-based recipes. Feeding the pigs on the sand can result in them ingesting too much sand, which is not good for them. Granted, interactions wasnt the original plan however, because it the environment in which they reside, guests wanted to meet them. We recommend booking Pig Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. during the summer because their pale skin is sensitive and can easily burn. This will likely startle the animal and may provoke a defensive reaction. These sanctuaries are The Bahamas National Parks. Here are a few day trip options for this experience from Nassau: Go on a one-day trip by plane to Big Major Cay from Nassau - (Nassau to Exuma Day Trip Swimming Pigs). who is a real-life example of a truly happy, healthy, beloved pig. Swimsuit - If you're headed to Pig Island, chances are that youre going to get wet. By submitting this form, you are agreeing to our collection, storage, use, and disclosure of your personal info in accordance with our privacy policy as well as to receiving e-mails from us. For the pigs on the beach in the Exumas, there was little-to-no sun protection for their fair skin. Pencil in some time for adventure with hikes through national parks, visits to water parks or spend some time at couples-only all-inclusive resorts like Sandals Emerald Bay, and Sandals Royal Bahamian (which includes its own private island!). Marsa Alam in Egypt is one of the most famous diving destinations in the Red Sea and for good reason. The idea is to blend into the reef wall or seabed and observe the shark with minimal disturbance. 479.7K Likes, 3.2K Comments. The swimming pigs on this beautiful island are not as famous as their cousins on Big Major Cay, but its fun to take a day trip from Treasure Cay to No Name Cay to see them. Dont wear expensive jewelry - You might want to consider leaving your more pricy jewelry behind or not wearing any jewelry at all during this and other excursions in The Bahamas as these items can easily get lost. ), and Green Cay where you can snorkel with gorgeous green turtles in the wild. 10, maybe 15 piglets. What bride wants to be pelted with butterfly corpses? Other concerns currently also include the domestication of the pigs, which once lived mainly in the small forest sections on Pig Island. Fuvahmulah is the best spot for finding Tiger Sharks. Like other swimming with the pigs experiences in The Bahamas, the one in Ship Channel Cay will allow you to get some really cool (and highly Instagramable) vacation photos! We stopped by for about 20 minutes on our boat day. Wonderfully, there is no limit to compassion, kindness, and our ability to stand up for those who cant speak for themselves. I understand your concerns with the others but I can assure you that at Sandy Toes Rose Island, we care for our animals as they will never be slaughtered simply because that defeats the purpose of why they were purchased. 159.6K Likes, 5K Comments. Let's plan you dream trip there - Enquire Now! Excursions like the Eleuthera Swimming Pigs and Snorkeling Experience give you the opportunity to see these friendly pigs on Meeks Patch Island, plus Rose Island (which has its own pigs! Take a glimpse into the reality of Pig Island and what this romanticized tourist destination really means for the pigs living there. Kayaking activity The activity here is the kayaking, you can rent it from the bar on the beach, 300 Baht per kayak. Rail services disrupted after person hit by train in north London, 100 officers injured amid violence during pension protests in France, Aerosmith announce farewell tour marking 50 years together, Explosion derails train in Russian town near border with Ukraine, Royally Big Portrait of the King unveiled ahead of coronation, Donald Trump says its great to be home as he arrives in UK, Woman stabbed to death in street in Brixton, Man, 20, in critical condition after assault in Beckenham, Warning nurses could keep striking up until Christmas, Ant and Dec among celebs invited to Coronation as guestlist revealed, Investigation launched after woman stabbed to death in broad daylight. just to see the pigs. Additionally, the nearby Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the perfect place to stop off for lunch or dinner. With that said, some people choose to get off the boat and make their way to the island when the boat gets close enough to shore. POV: you see the clearest water and its not the Maldives This is heaven - Nightshade. Go by plane from Great Exuma - It is possible to fly to a nearer point in Exuma to facilitate your swimming pigs tour. Pig Beach is located southeast of Nassau and it takes about 3 hours to travel from island to island. Bear in mind that a passport is necessary for visitors to book domestic flights in The Bahamas. Book in advance to ensure . Instagram vs Reality original sound - Erich. TikTok video from MandiP (@mandiep64): "THE SWIMMING PIGS ADVENTURES #bucketlist #swimmingpigs #adventuretime #fyp #follow". They came from Koh Taen, they swam cross the sea to live on this island. If you want to visit more Bahamian animals during your trip, you can also stop by West Bay Adventures to snorkle with sea turtles. All about the Beach Babes A boat ride is the only way to get to Pig Beach in The Bahamas. Unlike on the ferry ride, you will get to see this beautiful region from a new perspective; a bird's eye view. Thats what I thought when I stumbled upon photos of the swimming pigs on Pig Island and booked my honeymoon trip after my vegan wedding to swim with pigs in the Bahamas. Little wonder it is the location of where the largest manta ray was seen with a wingspan of over seven metres. If you want to catch a boat to Big Major Cay from Great Exuma or Nassau, youll either need to book a tour, charter your own boat or catch a ride with a friend who owns one. An uninhabited island in the Bahamas, crystal clear waters with tropical fish swimming by, and an endless supply of treats from locals and visitors. How to get there: You can get from Nassau to Long Island via boat or plane. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. From tropical coral reefs to reef sharks and dolphins the area is abundant with wildlife. A tour to see the swimming pigs in The Bahamas can cost anywhere from $160 to 210 USD per person. Palaus saltwater Jellyfish Lake is named so for an obvious reason: its filled with thousands of tiny jellyfish. From what I saw during my week in the Exumas, all of the pigs were out in the open on the little sandy beach, because thats where their food source was. Pig Island is located next to Staniel Cay, which has the nearest airport and marina and is therefore considered the gateway island to visiting the Bahamas Swimming Pigs. Pigs equal money from tourism and food in locals tummies. A Complete Guide To Swimming With Sharks In The Maldives. Hey Wendy Id love to hear about some of the things youre doing for humans and children to inspire us all to do the same! Provide education to caretakers or even provide proper care. Welcome to your vegan home! After recovering from the glee of fraternizing with little piglets in paradise, I started to notice the abrasions on their skin. Be a respectful visitor to the sharks environment. Let's plan you dream trip there -. You can write about whatever interests you choose without taking away from the importance of any other world issue.. Move slowly and steadily beneath the surface. The island is now more lovingly referred to as Pig Island. They love the fact that visitors to this island sometimes come bearing gifts (food!) The changing climate may also be to blame (it was discovered that their fresh water source had dried up). Go Divers Maldives 47 Scuba & Snorkelling Shark Diving By DLJ2 We did 9 dives, saw some great sites, lots of sharks, eels, turtles and huge schools of bluestripe snapper at the ama. Koh Madsum beach and pigs When you come on this island, you will be surprised that some pigs are living here. To have a successful shark encounter, first you must have a successful dive. This field is required. Overall, when interacting with the pigs, keep an eye on them at all times. If you're a diver coming to the Maldives in search of sharks, trust us, you will not be disappointed. Don't Worry Be Happy - Frankie Moreno. In terms of the best days/times to swim with the pigs, you might consider going as early as possible on any day of the week that suits you.