Quick Links
The pigs at Pig Beach on the Big Major Cay of the Bahamas just might be the most famous piggies in the world. Millions of people flock to the Bahamas every year, and many go swimming with the pigs while there. It is one of the Bahamas' most unusual and interesting attractions. The excursion is expensive, but for many an unmissable excursion while relaxing at Atlantis resort.
So if one is staying in the major resort of Atlantis on Paradise Island, how long does it take to visit Pig Beach? There are a number of options to get to Pig Beach from Nassau, and each has its pluses and minuses. Where else in the world can one go swimming on a pristine tropical beach with pigs?
How Long It Takes To Pig Beach From Altantis On Paradise Island
Pig Beach is located in the Exumas of the southern Bahamas just north of Staniel Cay. If one is staying on Staniel Cay, then it is very easy to get to Pig Beach. But from Nassau / Paradise Island, it is a little more complicated.
- Distance: Approx 80 Miles From Atlantis
There are two ways to get to Big Beach from Nassau / Paradise Island - by ferry and by plane. People can take a half or so-hour flight and then a quick boat ride to Big Beach or take a speed boat over the 78 miles to the island.
How Long To Fly To Pig Island
Flying is faster, so people can enjoy it longer with the pigs and other attractions in the Exumas. It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to Staniel Cay by flying (the flights depart at 8.00 am returning at 5.15 pm and are offered by Flamingo Air.
Flamingo Air Nassau to Staniel Cay - Excursion Only:
- Departure Time: 8.00 am
- Arrival Time: 8.45 am
- Frequency: Daily
- Duration: Approx: 45 Minutes
- Cost: $208 Same Day Round Trip
Once at Staniel Cay, it's just another 10-minute or so boat ride to get to Pig Island.
How Long To Get To Pig Island By Speed Boat
The cheaper - but longer way to get to Pig Island from Atlantis is by speed boat. Speed boats take around 3 hours to get from Nassau to Pig Beach and may not be suitable for small children or pregnant women.
The tour companies use speed boats to get to Pig Island as fast as possible. The boats use big engines, and the boats generally carry up to 30 passengers.
- Time By Speed Boat: 2 to 3 Hours From Nassau
These tours are typically a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than flying, but there is less time to see other Exuma attractions (like the sand bar, Thunderball grotto, and plane wreck).
Example Excursion From Atlantis To Pig Beach By Speed Boat
One example of a tour from Atlantis by speedboat. Like most other tours, it combines the excursions with other attractions like feeding ancient Rock Iguanas, swimming with gentle Nurse Sharks, and enjoying a buffet lunch.
- Cost: $439 Per Adult
- Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- Times: 8.00 am to 4.30 pm
- Duration: 8.5 Hours
The excursion is a full-day tour and takes a total of around 8.5 hours.
What To Know Of The Pigs Of The Bahamas
The Exumas are made up of around 365 islands and are famous for their extravagant beauty. Pig Island is one of the busiest islands of the group. The island is home to an estimated 20 to 25 pigs varying from little piglets to the oldest pig of the gang - Big Momma. As they all see thousands of visitors every day, they are well-habituated with people.
- Pig Population: 20-25 Pigs
Exactly how the pigs got on the island is something of a mystery - although that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of stories of how they got there. The pigs see visitors and know they are about to be fed, so they swim out to get their morsels.
Today tourists go to Pig Island to feed and pet the pigs as well as take photos with them. It is a year-round attraction.
Enjoy a day out to Pig Island and choose between flying, paying more but having more time to explore the attractions, or taking a speedboat, paying less but having less time there.