Exumas (swimming pigs)
Where crystal waters meet swimming pigs 🐷🏝️
The Exumas comprise a chain of 365 islands and cays stretching over 120 miles, renowned for possessing some of the clearest water on the planet. For families, the primary appeal lies in the calm, shallow seas that act as natural swimming pools for younger children. The climate remains warm year-round, though the best conditions for boating—the primary mode of transport here—are typically from November to May when the trade winds are gentlest. Unlike the busy cruise ports elsewhere, the Exumas offer a laid-back, aquatic-focused experience where the daily itinerary revolves around tides and sun.
The region's most famous attraction is undoubtedly Big Major Cay, home to the swimming pigs. Families can take guided boat tours to see these animals paddle out to greet arriving vessels, a surreal experience that delights toddlers and teenagers alike. Nearby at Compass Cay, brave visitors can wade into the water with docile nurse sharks, while the Thunderball Grotto offers a cavern snorkeling experience teeming with yellowtail snapper and angel fish—best visited at low tide for easy access. For a quieter day, the Mile-Long Sandbar emerges at low tide near Musha Cay, providing a vast, safe playground of soft white sand surrounded by knee-deep turquoise water.
Culturally, the Exumas are quiet and community-focused. George Town on Great Exuma serves as the hub, where families can visit the straw market or take a ferry to Stocking Island to interact with stingrays at the Chat 'N' Chill beach bar. Food options are casual, with local shacks serving fresh conch salad and grilled grouper that introduce kids to island flavors without the formality of fine dining. Music is a staple here, especially during the Family Island Regatta, where traditional Bahamian sloops race in Elizabeth Harbour.
Accommodations range from the luxury resorts on Great Exuma, which offer kids' clubs and pools, to private vacation rentals on Staniel Cay that require a boat for access. Travel between the cays is an adventure in itself; many families choose to rent a small skiff or hire a local captain for island-hopping. While the remote nature of the cays means medical facilities and supermarkets are limited compared to Nassau, the trade-off is an undisturbed connection with nature. Parents should pack high-SPF sunscreen and rash guards, as the reflection from the white sand and water is intense.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
A world-class archipelago offering unparalleled water clarity and the unique Big Major Cay swimming pigs experience. Peak months provide the dry, sunny conditions (<50mm precip) essential for the sapphire-blue sea visibility that sophisticated travelers expect, while the autumn hurricane season brings high humidity and storm risks.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features extraordinary marine ecosystems, sea caves like Thunderball Grotto, and ancient limestone cays. The dry season (Dec-Apr) is optimal for boat-based exploration and wildlife encounters, whereas heavy rain in September and October can limit access to remote cays and reduce underwater visibility.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Home to ultra-exclusive private island resorts and secluded retreats catering to discerning families seeking absolute privacy. The low-humidity winter months (59% humidity) offer a perfect climate for outdoor spa treatments, while the late summer heat and autumn rains are less conducive to relaxation.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers world-class bonefishing on the flats and exceptional sailing conditions across the archipelago. Peak months feature consistent trade winds and dry weather, while the stormy peak-hurricane months of September and October often lead to venue closures or dangerous nautical conditions.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Exumas lack formal educational institutions, museums, or research centers accessible to tourists. The 'swimming pigs' experience is a novelty attraction, not an educational one. While marine ecology tours exist, they are informal and limited compared to regions with dedicated marine education facilities (e.g., Belize's marine research stations). The other three regions consistently rate educational as 'marginal' - the Exumas should not rate higher with less educational infrastructure.
Attractions (31 total)
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Big Major Cay (Pig Beach)
Staniel Cay
A world-famous beach where friendly swimming pigs greet boaters in stunning turquoise waters.
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
Warderick Wells Cay
A massive protected marine reserve offering pristine coral reefs, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails.
Visit website →Thunderball Grotto
Staniel Cay
An underwater cave system teeming with exotic marine life, famous for its appearance in James Bond films.
Tropic of Cancer Beach
Williams Town
A long, crescent-shaped beach of powdery white sand and translucent water located exactly on the Tropic of Cancer.
Coco Plum Beach
Steventon
A shallow, family-friendly beach famous for its abundance of sand dollars and picturesque ocean swings.
Stocking Island
George Town
A popular island destination known for its vibrant beach scene, stingray encounters, and excellent snorkeling.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Compass Cay Marina Shark Sanctuary
Compass Cay
A protected harbor where visitors can safely swim with and touch gentle nurse sharks in a controlled natural environment.
Visit website →Bitter Guana Cay (Iguana Beach)
Staniel Cay
A stunning beach location where visitors can observe and photograph rare, prehistoric-looking Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas in their natural habitat.
Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Visitor Center
Warderick Wells Cay
The headquarters of the world's first land and sea park, featuring a marine life museum with a 53-foot sperm whale skeleton and educational ecosystem displays.
Visit website →The Sea Aquarium (O'Brien's Cay)
O'Brien's Cay
A protected natural snorkeling site so densely packed with colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral that it provides the sensation of swimming inside a managed aquarium.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
George Town
George Town
The administrative capital of Exuma, this historic town features colonial architecture, a bustling straw market, and the landmark pink Government Building.
Visit website →Rolleville
Rolleville
This historic settlement was founded by former slaves of Lord Rolle and remains a cultural heart of the island with traditional stone buildings and community spirit.
Williams Town
Williams Town
A historic village on Little Exuma known for its 30-foot white salt beacon and ruins of 18th-century cotton plantations like the Hermitage.
Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Pig Beach
Staniel Cay
Famous uninhabited island where families can see and interact with wild swimming pigs in crystal clear waters.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)
Staniel Cay
The world-famous uninhabited island where friendly feral pigs swim out to greet visitors in turquoise waters.
Visit website →Stocking Island Monument
George Town
A historic stone beacon sitting at the island's highest point, offering panoramic views of Elizabeth Harbour.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Queen's Highway Scenic Drive
Rolleville
A 75km paved coastal route (1.5–3 hours driving time) running the length of Great Exuma and Little Exuma. This scenic drive connects the northern tip at Rolleville to the southern end at William's Town, featuring the manually operated Ferry Bridge, the Tropic of Cancer Beach, historic salt ponds, and panoramic views of the turquoise 'Exuma Blue' waters.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Bitter Guana Cay Iguana Sanctuary
Staniel Cay
An uninhabited island that serves as a natural habitat for the rare Northern Bahamian Rock Iguanas which come to the beach to greet visitors.
Chat 'N' Chill Stingray Interaction
George Town
A popular beach spot where wild southern stingrays frequent the shoreline to interact with and be fed by visitors.
Visit website →Compass Cay Marina
Compass Cay
A unique animal interaction experience where visitors can pet and swim with docile, bottom-dwelling nurse sharks in a protected marina.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Boo Boo Hill Trail
Warderick Wells Cay
1.2km easy out-and-back trail, duration 45 minutes, 20m elevation gain. Located within the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the trail leads to the highest point on the island featuring blowholes and a driftwood offering site. No local bike rentals available; access is strictly via boat. Official site: Bahamas National Trust (bnt.bs).
Visit website →Stocking Island Nature Trails
George Town
3.5km moderate network of paths, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours with 45m elevation gain. The trail leads from the harbor side over limestone ridges to the Atlantic side, passing the Salt Beacon monument and Stromatolite reefs. Boat rental and water taxi access: Minns Water Sports (minnscharters.com).
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Exuma Arts Network
George Town
A community-focused cultural hub and gallery that promotes local artists through workshops and public exhibitions in partnership with national institutions.
Visit website →Wenshua Art Gallery
George Town
A dedicated art gallery showcasing contemporary Bahamian paintings and sculptures that frequently hosts traveling exhibitions from the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.
Sandpiper Arts & Crafts
George Town
A well-known boutique and gallery featuring curated local Bahamian fine art, hand-thrown pottery, and photography from generations of the Minns family.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Rolletown Tombs
Rolletown
Historic burial site of a Loyalist family and their slaves, providing a poignant look into the social history of the 18th-century Bahamas.
Visit website →St. Andrew's Anglican Church
George Town
A historic white and blue stone church built in the 1830s that stands as a landmark of George Town's colonial religious heritage.
Visit website →Pompey Memorial
Steventon
A monument and historic site dedicated to Pompey, a courageous slave who led a revolt against forced relocation in 1830.
Visit website →Salt Beacon
Williams Town
A historic 30-foot tall Tuscan-style monument that once served as a navigational marker for ships during the island's salt trade era.
Visit website →The Hermitage (Cotton Plantation Ruins)
Williams Town
Explore the atmospheric limestone ruins of a late 18th-century cotton plantation established by Loyalists after the American Revolution.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Moriah Harbour Cay National Park
George Town
A vital ecological site with managed trails and channels perfect for family kayaking adventures through mangroves and over pristine sand dunes.
Visit website →