The swimming pigs have brought a lot of attention to the Bahamas, and have become quite famous! There is a ton of information most don’t know when embarking on the journey to meet the piggies, and I felt I should share the inside scoop. My hopes are for you to use this information for future piggy plans in order to get the most out of your trip and make the most memorable experience possible.
![Swimming Pigs, Staniel Cay-Things to do in the bahamas]()
First Things First: Traveling to Staniel Cay
The most important thing to know when planning your piggy excursion is that the REAL Swimming Pigs are not in Nassau, they are on a small island just off Staniel Cay. Nassau, being the most popular destination in the Bahamas has many travelers confused when they find out that the pigs are a $450 dollar, 100 mile away experience! YES, that is the price, and yes, you either have to fly there (30 min) or take a loonnnng boat ride (2 hours plus) and both need to be booked through a charter company. Luckily, we offer an amazing excursion encompassing all the best destinations Exuma has to offer. See below for our general itinerary for an Exuma Excursion day trip: Exuma Day Excursion
Total Time : 6:45 am- 5:30 pm (5 hours on the water)
Staniel Cay, Exuma is 77 miles away, we choose to fly our clients instead of having them take a boat there. It is more efficient and allows for more time exploring the beauty of Staniel Cay. *Please note that we pre-book your flight & boat with a captain, 3 days in advance is required for booking.
Itinerary:
-
Arrive at the domestic airport in Nassau at 6:45 am
-
Hop on the plane at 8:00 am (30 minute beautiful flight)
-
Your boat captain will meet you at Staniel Cay and take you on your charter (this is a private charter).
-
You have the option to grab breakfast upon arriving (recommended) or lunch, but it is not required.
-
Depending on the weather/time/your priorities you will be able to see the below, keep reading to see more info!
-
Snorkel the Thunderball grotto (highly recommend)
-
Swimming with the pigs (Big Major Cay)
-
Explore Sandbars (highly recommend) (Pipe Cay)
-
Feed the iguanas
-
Swim with the sharks (highly recommend) *There are two options for this, one is FREE at Staniel Cay, and the sharks at Compass Cay are $10 per person. Please coordinate with your captain.
-
*If time permits there is a sunken plane and turtles, but you will coordinate with your boat captain on those!
-
Your boat captain will bring you back to the plane for your departure at 3:45 pm (usually 5 hours on the water)
-
Flight departs between 4:30 & 5 PM for a 6 PM arrival in Nassau.
Stay a While in Staniel Cay
Another thing to note is you don’t have to just go for the day. You can actually stay in Staniel Cay and visit the piggies multiple days if you like! Although Staniel Cay is small, there are a few amazing places to stay, one being The Staniel Cay Yacht Club, you can always check on Airbnb, however, this is my go-to recommendation. Or contact Float Your Boat Bahamas today to book your accommodations with a tour!
Staniel Cay is a beautiful little island, with approximately 3 restaurants, 1 liquor store, a few convenience stores, and the best vibes you will ever experience. The views of the water will absolutely knock you off your feet, your mode of transportation will be on foot, by bike or golf cart. You will spend your days exploring all the amazing destinations on the water in your private boat.
Much More than the Swimming Pigs
The Swimming Pigs are just a small portion of what you will explore once in Staniel Cay. As you drool and smile with excitement by just seeing the beauty of the Exumas, you will hit a few amazing destinations. First stop, The Thunderball Grotto- get your snorkels and your GoPro ready, because you’re about to be mind blown when you swim into the beautiful cave situated in the middle of the water. You will swim through the rock cracks and end up in the most beautiful blue waters, surrounded by fish, and in the middle of an underwater cave, jump from the top if you’re the adventurous kind, and explore all the little nooks & crannies you can find.
Now that you’ve gotten a little workout in while swimming through the caves, time for some rum on the Sandbars! Of course, the rum is optional, however, the Sandbars are not, they are a MUST SEE! You will basically park your boat on a sandbar, and explore while feeling the most freeing experience. You are literally standing in the middle of the ocean, with not a care in the world. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a starfish, some sand dollars, have a stingray sighting, the possibilities are endless!
Next on your journey will be the Insta Famous, sharks at Compass Cay. You will hop in with these amazing creatures and feel uplifted by their kind energy. You can pet them, have a photoshoot with them, and just embrace them for as long as you like, this will definitely be an experience you will remember forever! In addition to swimming with the sharks, Compass Cay is just a bad*ss dock, with mega yachts, cold beers, good vibes and lots of beautiful bright colors.
Moral of the Story: Book Your Staniel Cay, Bahamas Excursions!
I’ve highlighted just my favorite activities to do when staying in Staniel Cay. There is SO MUCH to do and explore once you’re there. Of all the island experiences, I can say that this is my favorite. You will forever remember this experience, and I promise it will knock your socks off.
If you’re planning a trip to the Bahamas, contact Float Your Boat Bahamas to get your Exuma Excursion in the books, it will be the best excursion you ever take!
