Exuma Swimming Pigs: Boat Tour or Flight Tour, Which Should You Book?

Eternal sunshine, sparkling sands, and azure waters—you’re already sold on the Bahamas. But the days still need filling, and adventures await. An absolute must is a journey to the Exumas, where you’ll find wild Bahamian iguanas, gentle nurse sharks, myth-shrouded plane wrecks, and majestic grottos.

But if you’re here, you obviously have another attraction in mind: the world-famous swimming pigs. You’ve no doubt seen them all over social media, or heard about them from fellow travelers. What trip to the Bahamas would be complete without meeting them in person?

So how do you get to the Exuma swimming pigs in the first place?

You have two choices: travel by boat, or hop a flight.

Your decision depends on a number of factors. Below, we’ll weigh up cost (always a consideration), as well as group size and personal preferences.

For those of you interested in a guided tour, we’ll also take a look at how you can maximize your time in the Exumas with two action-packed day-trip packages. At a glance, here’s what you can expect:

Later, we’ll cover the details in more depth. For now, let’s explore the two ways to get to the Exumas, and how you can decide which option is best for you.

Two Ways to See the Exuma Swimming Pigs from Nassau

When presented with the options of air transit or sea travel to get to Exuma, two primary considerations are top of mind: cost and time. Both of those matter, but there’s so much more to think about, like comfort, your goal for the day, and who you’re traveling with.

Flying to Swim with the Pigs

Within 40 minutes, you could be touched down in Staniel Cay, a small island just 10 minutes away from the swimming pigs on Big Major Cay.

That’s the joy of flying. What would normally take hours is over before you know it. And in this case, the time saved translates into more time for an unforgettable experience.

There are a few other reasons you might prefer to hop a plane to the Exumas:

• It’s by far the more comfortable option.
• People who struggle with back or neck pain get to travel more comfortably.
• Motion sickness is less of a concern with air travel.
• Not being on the open sea means less chance of a weather-related cancellation.
• If you’re flying private, there’s more flexibility around timing.
• Transporting luggage is easier if you’re planning a multi-day stay in the Exumas.
• Smaller groups or couples gain the benefit of more intimacy; boats tend to carry larger groups.

As good as all that sounds, there are a few things to bear in mind before rushing to book a ticket.

First, as you might have already guessed, is cost. Booking a flight is the more expensive option, regardless of whether you’re planning your own excursion or joining a tour. Economy round trips cost between $240 and $500, depending on the airline, time of year, and flight class.

If you’re taking charge of arrangements, you’ll also need to think about the cost of getting around. Maybe that involves a taxi or a car (or golf cart) rental. Because there’s no land access to Big Major Cay, you’ll also need to account for the cost of either hiring a boat or getting a ride to the island.

For first-time visitors, this guide can give you a better idea of what to expect.

After traveling to the Bahamas, many visitors want to lose themselves in the wonder of the island. Airports can take you out of the fantasy. All those extra logistics—booking tickets, getting to the airport, waiting on flights, catching taxis—can feel a bit too much like daily life. This one’s especially true if you’re taking care of the arrangements yourself.

With that said, one of the benefits of this structure is that you get to spend more time enjoying the Exumas and all it has to offer.

But what does an Exuma swimming-pigs boat tour from Nassau entail?

Getting to Pig Beach by Boat

As an island country, there’s no avoiding boats in the Bahamas. If you’re traveling around the Bahamas on a budget, or if you just want to experience as much time on the water as possible, then a powerboat to Big Major Cay is in order.

You have a few options here:

• Boat tour: Departing from Nassau, you can spend an unforgettable day among fellow travelers. Most tours make multiple stops throughout the day; plus, lunch and refreshments are usually included.
• Boat rental: If you’d prefer privacy, flexibility, or both, you can rent a boat for your trip to the Exumas. That would allow you to meet the swimming pigs during a quieter time of day, depending on when you dock.
• Ferry: This one is a bit more difficult. Although the ferry is cheaper, it’s a much longer journey (14 hours). You’ll also have to make a second trip from Greater Exuma to Big Major Cay, which adds both time and cost. Additionally, you’ll be working on a much more restrictive schedule, with trips limited to once or twice a week.

If you select the powerboat option, you can expect the trip from Nassau to Exuma to take around three hours. You’ll be under open air the whole time, which can be uncomfortable when it’s raining, windy, or otherwise rough on the water.

The choppiness can also spell trouble for those with motion sickness. If you or a travel companion struggle with seasickness, a flight would make the day more enjoyable. Similarly, if you struggle with neck or back pain or are pregnant, skip the boat and enjoy maximum comfort on a plane.

Before booking a boat tour, check the weather forecast for your planned date. Last-minute cancellations are a possibility, so aim for a sunny day to avoid disappointment.

Now that you know how to get to Exuma’s swimming pigs, let’s take a look at two of Tour Daddy’s full-day tour packages. With a helpful comparison of the price, itinerary, and group size, you’ll be able to confidently decide which option aligns best with your vacation goals.

The Full-Day Boat Tour: What’s Included and Who It’s For

For some, planning is fun, even on vacation. For others, the opposite is true. If you fall into the second group, buckle up, sit back, and enjoy a magical, stress-free day.

If you’ve decided that you’d rather skip the flight, then our full-day boat tour is a perfect fit. Yes, you’ll get to visit Big Major Cay, but the day is packed with so much more.

What to Expect from the Day

The first stop? Allen’s Cay, where you’ll meet wild iguanas. You might have heard about them while planning your trip, but did you know that Bahamian iguanas have split into three subspecies? Each is located on a different island. Aside from the Allen’s Cay iguana, there’s also the Andos Island iguana and the Exuma Island iguana.

For Narcos fans, the opportunity to see Pablo Escobar’s sunken plane will no doubt stir up excitement. Jutting out of the water surrounding Norman’s Cay, the plane now acts as an artificial reef. Snorkelers definitely won’t be disappointed by the array of marine life to be found around this unusual attraction.

Next up, get your adrenaline pumping with a splash into Compass Cay’s waters. Here you’ll meet a school of nurse sharks. If you’re in the area from April to June, you might even spot some dolphins nearby.

And then, the event you’ve been waiting for.

Like any great host, the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay often paddle out to meet their guests. Introduce yourself, offer them a snack, and maybe give them a belly rub. Then, after a warm goodbye, you’ll get to refuel for the rest of the afternoon with a hot lunch.

For the final stretch of the tour, you’ll relax on Exuma’s sandbars, soaking up the tropical sunshine and digesting the day.

Is This Tour for You?

If you’re happy to frolic in a bigger group and don’t mind a bumpy powerboat ride, then yes! This package will be a great option for you. You’ll be getting plenty of activity, but the boat ride to and from Nassau is lengthy.

If you think sitting still for an extended period will cause discomfort, or if you get seasick, keep reading to learn more about the flight and boat option.

Boat vs. Flight: Is the Flight Tour Worth the Extra Cost?

If you’re a James Bond fan, this will be an easy answer. You’ll see why soon.

When you compare itineraries, you’ll notice that the boat and flight plan includes the same key stops as the full-day boat trip. After arriving in Staniel Cay, you’ll zip about in a speedboat and

• meet wild iguanas
• greet nurse sharks at Compass Cay
• visit the famous sunken plane
• befriend swimming pigs
• languish on sandbars

But there’s another stop.

If cost or comfort don’t make or break your decision, then the opportunity to explore the Thunderball Grotto could be the deciding factor.

Also known as the James Bond Cave, this site got its name after appearing in Thunderball (1965). Almost two decades later, it featured in a second Bond film, Never Say Never Again (1983). You may also recognize it from the 2005 action movie, Into the Blue.

Although the link to pop culture is a draw, Thunderball Grotto is a treat for all lovers of marine life.

Situated five minutes away from Staniel Cay, this iconic landmark doesn’t look like much from the outside. Many may wonder what the big deal is—until they swim through one of the barely visible entrances.

Narrow tunnels give way to a stunning cave, where you’ll get to befriend a host of sea creatures. Yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors, and angelfish are regulars in the grotto. Nurse sharks are also known to pay a visit.

If you want to visit the best snorkeling spots the Bahamas has to offer, this is an experience you won’t want to pass up. And the benefit of a tour guide? They can make sure you get to experience the cave in all its glory. The entrance points are tricky to spot from the outside. Miss them, and you miss a once-in-a-lifetime diving or snorkeling opportunity.

Which Tour Should You Book?

Initially, you might just be weighing up the cost of an Exuma Pig Beach day trip. With either tour, you get an action-packed day that includes multiple stops around the Exumas’ most iconic landmarks.

Here are some factors to consider before making your decision:

• Travel time: A flight means quicker travel and more time in the Exumas.
• Weather: During off-season, flying may be more reliable than boating all the way.
• Group size: Both tours require a minimum of 10 participants to run, but the boat tour can accommodate a larger group.
• Physical comfort: The boat trips between each stop are relatively short, but getting to Exuma from Nassau is a three-hour boat ride.

Regardless of which tour you book, you’ll be well taken care of throughout the day. Local tour guides offer a wealth of knowledge. You also get to encounter Bahamian history and wildlife up close.

Book Your Exuma Swimming-Pigs Tour with Tour Daddy

While you may have started out eager to know the price of getting to the Exuma swimming pigs, you now know that this remote region of the Bahamas has so much more to offer. So what are you waiting for?

To book, just click the “Request Booking” button on the Exuma Swimming Pigs Flight and Boat Tour or Full-Day Swimming Pigs Tour from Nassau page, fill out your information, and we’ll be in touch.

And while you’re at it, take a look at our full catalogue of tours. Enjoy everything from island trips to sunset sailing while you’re in the Bahamas!

So, will you fly to swim with the pigs of Exuma, or will it be boat all the way for you?