Many travel destinations pique our interest with their exotic animals. Australia is known for their koala bears and kangaroos, China for pandas and Africa for its elephants, giraffes,  and lions. The Exuma Islands in the Bahamas is known for, believe it or not, their pigs. These are not your everyday, farmer Bob pigs, these are wild pigs that actually swim!

The pigs have become such a phenomenon that they even have a feature film coming out about them called The Pigs of Paradise and a book about their origins titled “Pigs of Paradise: The Story of the World-Famous Swimming Pigs”

The Exumas are the epitome of Bahamian paradise with stretches of secluded beaches, turquoise waters and enough wildlife for an Instagram safari. The exotic destination is divided into three major areas – Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays.  Each area offers its own unique experience for travelers, from picturesque shorelines to the beloved swimming pigs to boutique hotels and villas.  There are actually 365 cays in the Exumas, washed by swirls of multi-hued water.

This beautiful tropical island draws visitors from around the world for its idyllic landscapes as well as for a chance to see these amazing animals and bucket list sensation of swimming with pigs.  The Minister of the Bahamas Tourism Board is so pleased that he said they should consider “knighting” the swimming pigs of Exuma!  Kids and adults alike, from around the world, all want to come swim with the pigs in Exuma!

Visitors come to The Exumas for yachting, sailing, fishing, exploring the blue holes or the spectacular reefs and shipwrecks.

There are plenty of upscale resort to take in all that this wonderful area has to offer as well as to visit the swimming pigs. Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers 14 intimate bungalows and full service marina while the Grand Island Resort and Spa is ideal for a family holiday or romantic getaway with one to four bedroom villas with a spa, pool, and white sand beach as well as a top notch golf course.

Lumina Point Resort and Spa is one of the areas newer boutique resorts and was designed as an eco-resort  on a remote island near Great Exuma with 12 waterfront villas, wellness spa and two farm to table restaurants. Another recommended stay is the Peace & Plenty Hotel.  This charming historic 32 room newly renovated hotel is in the heart of George Town on Great Exuma with its own private boat to take you to their beach club 10 minutes away on Stocking Island.

The Exumas are a wonderful destination offering incredibly clear water and pristine white sand beaches. Its healthy sprinkling of upscale resorts and water sports galore make it destination worthy of your must go travel list. Swimming with the pigs of the Exumas, will make it a holiday that you will never ever forget.