My goodness, I thought. Do not feed the pigs if you are scared - Plain and simple, this is a no-no. Before setting up to take photos, make sure youre completely aware of your surroundings. Antigua is known for many thi. Read our, {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}. Before I even arrived, I wondered what would happen when the pigs started overpopulating the infamous Pig island, since there are no predators around and the only limiting resource, I imagined, was food. How else would the number of pigs on this little beach remain in check over the course of decades? When the pigs smelled the apples, they'd run over in excitement, their curly tails wagging and their hooves kicking up a flurry of sand. This is your sign to add the swimming pigs to your bucket list in the Bahamas Breakin my heart - Jodecis groupie. Expert tip: There's lots more things to do in Exuma besides swimming with pigs. So, targeting GTs here is a great opportunity to try out the Maldives' most popular fishing methods - jigging and popping. Pigs have strong jaws and can have a very crushing, bone breaking bite. The entire reason I chose this honeymoon destination to swim with the pigs was because I wanted to see, I realized that this is an animal tourist attraction not a whole lot different from the orcas imprisoned at, Despite this, most of the tourists I talked with were not aware of any safety precautions they should take when interacting with the pigs. I loved it and spent a very long time petting the sweet little babies as they slept in the shade. Your concerns were well received up to the point where you gave suggestions that would ultimately divert tourist dollars elsewhere on the pretense that the idea of the attraction was based on exploitation. 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! She mumbled something like, oh, they must be in back. In back of what? 97% of travelers recommend this experience. You can combine your swimming pigs adventure with an underwater experience at this thriving reef. The nearest inhabited island to this one is Great Exuma, but youll need to get there by boat. Called golden cnidarians, there was once thought to be eight million in the lake but their numbers have sadly declined over the years. The first question when planning your trip there is obviously how to get there as the original pig island called major cay is just a beach zip located on a tiny island in the Exumas. 2017 All rights reserved. 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. On the island of Grand Exuma, wild pigs will swim and surf with. With the large numbers of visitors coming to see them by boat, the pigs have gravitated towards the beach over time, which is not their natural habitat. As someone who has long admired these smart, sensitive animals, Michelle was excited to see happy pigs living freely on a beautiful island paradise. during the summer because their pale skin is sensitive and can easily burn. During a vacation on these islands, you can start by exploring the incredible beaches, tour some of the historical and cultural attractions, and enjoy authentic Bahamian cuisine. There were tons of them! Around $50 USD or BSD should suffice, preferably in smaller bills. Your boat approaches an ivory-white beach, and 20-something adorable pigs and piglets hastily make their way to you for a playful encounter in the shallow waters. So, be a responsible diver: dont let your camera distract you, stay with your buddy, keep a close eye on your gas consumption, no-decompression limits, depth and ascent raax! We went on a private tour on a Monday in March and it was perfect. This can be easily arranged via a tour. The Maldives. The island is now more lovingly referred to as Pig Island. If you have a waterproof camera, this might be a good opportunity to put it to use. Thank you for this information I will not be visiting or endorsing this kind of thing unfortunately theres a lot about animals that are inhuman we all need to know more about. Clearly multiple litters. Im all for voicing but it should start with love for your fellow mankind first. I have booked for may 13th but with this Corona can I change the dates when we all know more? 479.7K Likes, 3.2K Comments. Swim with the pigs in this tropical paradise Insider 7.9M subscribers Subscribe 17K views 6 years ago Pig Island is located in the Bahamas' Exuma Cays. Other beautiful, endangered animals like the Flamingo, the Bahama parrot and Rock iguanas are also fully protected and areas of their natural habitat have been set aside and declared as sanctuaries for them. It didnt take long to find the answer to that. 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. 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! Their primary food source comes from locals and visiting tourists. 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! Welcome to World of Vegan, where we love playing in the kitchen with music on, sipping a cocktailor mocktailwhile we cook, making a big joyful mess, and cleaning it up with all-natural cleaning spray and a compostable sponge. There are nine pigs on Rose Island, namely: Babe, Wilbur, Pumba, Larry, Curly, Mo, Ginger, Pepper, and Spice. There are no hotels on the island, and tourists need to book a tour to visit the island. Each email has a link to unsubscribe. ST41785, info@swimmingwithpigs.com No one else was visiting so we had the pigs all to ourselves. World of Vegan founder Michelle Taylor Cehn and her husband booked a honeymoon trip to the Bahamas to swim with pigs on Pig Island. Learn More Call us on 0121 440 6268 for a tailor made . Why you'll love the swimming pigs of The Bahamas Added to that, the pigs swim up to your boat once you arrive on the island. I believe the full day tour stops there but we did the half day and we didnt stop there. They all have different degrees of care and oversight. 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. Book in advance to ensure . IB: What swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas is really like . Much love to you! Do not feed the pigs on the sand - It is not recommended that you feed the pigs on the sand. While I was there, there was a group who had traveled all the way from Japan to the Bahamasfor just one day, just to see the pigs. Following in the successes of the original swimming pigs tours, the following islands offer similar experiences where visitors can get close to these wild animals: How to get there: From Nassau, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Meeks Patch Island in North Eleuthera when traveling by boat. Many diving experts recommend staying close the reef wall or seabed to avoid leaving yourself exposed. Local Islands. Sure, its better than a factory farm, but Pig Island is no paradise for pigs. These pigs are different, and they LOVE belly rubs. While I was in the Bahamasfor just one week, I heard several first-hand stories from tourists who were bitten by the pigs. If you do the tour with Exuma Watersports, it depends on the specific tour you decide on. Discover short videos related to maldives swimming with pigs on TikTok. Most excursions and tours booked through the resort include pick up and drop off back to the resort. The best option will be to land in Staniel Cay and then hop on a boat to Pig Island. 6. The same goes for the older pigs (handling), and it is also not recommended that you try to ride the hogs. The changing climate may also be to blame (it was discovered that their fresh water source had dried up). One can visit and experience swimming with wild pigs in Bahamas any time of the year. How many types of sharks are there in the Maldives? It can take around 1 hour and 26 minutes to get there by boat. The Exumas - Home to Bahamas World-Famous Swimming Pigs Islands Experiences Hotels Photos Getting Here Plan Your Trip Offers Blog Events Itineraries Book your trip Book Hotel Book Hotel + Air Book air Find A Hotel Prev Apr 2023 Next May 2023 Arrival Lodging Type This field is required. As a friend and fellow animal rights activist said of Michelle, If she can be duped about how animals are treated, anyone can. Read it here. If you're staying in Nassau or The Exumas, you can easily book a day trip to see the swimming pigs. Even if you fly to Exuma from another island, youll still need to take a boat from there to get to Pig Island. Don't Worry Be Happy - Frankie Moreno. The whole experience was an adventure, the pigs are cared for by locals who clean up and provide them with food and water. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean. TikTok | Bahamas | Vs | son original - Marco Enzo. 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. They were so tinyand dirty! Interesting how humans can make a long post about pigs and other animals sufferings but ignore the suffering of children, elderly, homeless, sick, abused, poor etc. This is also the best time to go swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. Instagram vs Reality original sound - Erich. If youre planning on visiting Big Major Cay to see the swimming pigs during your vacation, there are a few things you might want to bring along for your tour. ), and Green Cay where you can snorkel with gorgeous green turtles in the wild. Tips on how to feel safe diving with sharks: 1. Otherwise an organized rescue needs to be formed and action to either build proper shelters and facilities for these pigs. The top attractions near Sandals Emerald Bay are the world-famous Swimming Pigs and the Thunderball Grotto, make sure to visit both during your stay! If you want to visit more Bahamian animals during your trip, you can also stop by West Bay Adventures to snorkle with sea turtles. Or maybe thats what some people think. Thats where you come in. It is not clear when these changes will take effect. If you're looking to become a certified PADI Open Water diver, check out out 6-night Diving Course Trip! Super fun and will definitely do it again. There are various ways to do so including by plane and by boat. As I stepped off our little motor boat I was immediately greeted by a stampede of hungry adult pig snouts desperate for food. You may be able to interact with the pigs right from the boat as they tend to swim out to meet arriving boats. 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. With confidence, she said: Oh, they have to kill the pigs or there would be too manyespecially when they get aggressive. Since this is the peak travel season for The Bahamas, youre more likely to find a tour you will enjoy to visit the swimming pigs. Have there been any shark attacks in the Maldives? Local guides, Caribbean boat tour companies, and nearby resorts are all profiting from travelers who would give anythingand pay anythingto swim and snap a selfie with the Bahamian pigs. Where and how to visit the original swimming pigs Stroll along the beach 33 Likes, TikTok video from Kelly Hennessy (@kellyhennessy88): "#antigua #antiguaandbarbuda #swimmingwithpigs #fyp". Thank for this article! | Big major Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Your adventure includes a boat tour through The Exuma Cays. ! The closest option to fly into is Staniel Cay. Despite this, most of the tourists I talked with were not aware of any safety precautions they should take when interacting with the pigs. They are exposed to the sun, rain, and especially the harsh Caribbean storms and hurricanes. Be thoughtful and responsible with all of your actions. Not for the faint of heart, the Galapagos Islands are a haven for amazing wildlife and a perfect place to explore for the experienced diver. 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. Even if you go there just to see the pigs, you can still have a great time lounging on the beach and exploring the island. doing business as, Swimming with Pigs Instead of googling Where can you swim with pigs? and booking a flight, plan a trip to an animal sanctuary like. If you choose to do so, youll likely get wet in the process! It's a huge tourist destination. more. Among the most abundant sharks inhabiting the tropical coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, they prefer shallow, inshore waters. Your email address will not be published. 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. It is recommended to swim in areas where they can't stand and avoid playing with piglets, as the mother can become protective. Ocean Fanatics 42 Hi, Insect repellent - Keep safe from bug bites by packing some repellant and bringing it along with you for your tour to Pig Island. Home. What bride wants to be pelted with butterfly corpses? View All Trips An uninhabited island in the Bahamas, crystal clear waters with tropical fish swimming by, and an endless supply of treats from locals and visitors. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. We have given this trip a 'Moderate' grading. The 176 square mile park is a no-take park where nothing within its boundaries can be removed. In the Maldives, you can also speak with local experts and guides. This will likely startle the animal and may provoke a defensive reaction. who is a real-life example of a truly happy, healthy, beloved pig. Check out our: 6-night Whale Shark Trip. The pigs are collectively managed by the locals, and used for profit. Island Routes offers a Swimming Pigs adventure, which is worth checking out. Tofo Beach, just 400 kilometres north of Mozambiques capital Maputo, is home to one of the largest concentrations of whale sharks in Africa. Although the hogs are cute but my townhouse is not fit for a large hog. This article about the swimming pigs in the Exumas was written and photographed by yours truly, Michelle Cehn. She said: I counted them. 149.9K Likes, 1.2K Comments. Feeding the pigs on the sand can result in them ingesting too much sand, which is not good for them. Seller of Travel Ref No. A list of all sharks found in the Maldives: Here's a little bit more about us, Maldives Secrets, and what we do: Ready to fly out to The Maldives? We recommend booking Pig Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Giant green sea turtles are often found along this part of the coast, and can make for some spectacular sights. 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. Pig Beach is the famous beach where the Swimming Pigs live, which is on Pig Island (also known as Big Major Cay). All Inclusive Intimate Pig Beach Excursion to Exuma Swimming Pigs has 7 Stops, Exuma Island Hopping and Swimming Pigs Tour with Lunch, Swiming Pigs and Shark Tour Nassau to Exuma by Plane and Boat, Full Day Private in Nassau and Rose Island or Exuma Charters, Exumas 8-days, 7 nights Luxury Yacht Charter with Gourmet Catering, Bahamas George Town Exuma Airport(GGT) to island hotels-Arrival Private Transfer, Private Transfer from Bahamas George Town Exuma Airport (GGT) to Island Hotels, Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) to George Town 7-Mile Beach- Arrival Private Transfer, Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) to 7-Mile Beach area - Round - Trip Private Transfer, Private Bahamas George Town Exuma Airport transfer to Island Hotels, Owen Roberts Airport to George Town Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer, Island hotels to Bahamas George Town Exuma Airport (GGT) - Departure Transfer. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations. If you're a diver coming to the Maldives in search of sharks, trust us, you will not be disappointed. Travel time is usually not included in this calculation. In 1958 The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was the first national park of its kind to have both a land and sea component. While I understand your concern for the well being of the pigs and the need for some intervention the program did not originally start out as one of exploitation. Reading through your comments I noticed so many bringing up human rights and child suffering , although these topics are extremely serious and important, THIS TOPIC is ABOUT PIGS! These sanctuaries are The Bahamas National Parks. Every night I sleep with sweet dream of free range simmy piggy, and every day I work to save money. 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. Sitting seaside with the Exuma pigs of Pig Beach at your feet, white sand between your toes, and the sunshine in the sky above, things will seem like they can't get much better. Research and be comfortable with the dive environment, know the water temperature, currents, visibility and equipment configuration. Visit the famous Swimming Pigs on a Full Day Exuma Tour from Great Exuma by Private Plane that includes Swimming with Sharks, Thunderball Grotto, Sandbars, Iguanas and Snorkeling activities. Watch popular content from the following creators: Jasminedustin(@jasminedustin), Sarah(@sarahrp), Ruby(@rubystraveldiary), Sara Overseas(@saraoverseas), KACI (@.tbwkaci), ash(@omgasho), TRAVEL | Bernice Padilla(@trendytraveler), amanda maguire(@fullstomachemptywallet), isabel_langdale(@isabel_langdale), MandiP . 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. Do we visit the sand bar and thunderball grotto on the pig beach excursion, If you do the tour with Exuma Watersports, it depends on the specific tour you pick. Explore different ways to experience this place. But it gets worse. Cash - Bring a small amount of cash with you on this tour. To sum it up, here are the problems I learned about during my time at Pig Beach: Pigs can have upwards of twenty piglets each year, and they can start having babies when theyre just a year and a half old.