I purposefully avoided researching too much. In this modern day of social media sharing, surprises have been destroyed by viral trends.

I miss the joy of reading a few paragraphs in a travel guide, seeing some photo prints, or hearing traveler’s tales, and deciding to go and experience the surprise for myself. I wanted to return to that mystery. And I got it. It’s possibly why this trip to the Bahamas – our first time – felt like it had a certain kind of magic.

I was able to really feel the true energy of Staniel Cay – and I liked it.

Our days were spent swimming with pigs and nurse sharks, sunning with iguanas, and seeing some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

For our four days in Staniel Cay Bahamas, the rest of the world did not exist. It was a refreshing change and disappointing having to return.

But return we did, and to make sure you have a visit as amazing as ours, we’ve prepared a guide to the Staniel Cay Exumas so you can experience the mystery like we did.

Why Visit Staniel Cay?

Since the world loves following the lives of celebrities, follow their lead. Many stars have not just homes in the Exuma Cays, but their own private islands.

If they don’t own a piece of this paradise, they are cruising around in super yachts, undisturbed as they snorkel, zip around on jet skis, and quietly sip on rum cocktails at laid-back bars.

If it’s good enough for Johnny Depp, it’s good enough for me!

Some of their movies have been filmed in the turquoise waters and snow-white sands of this island chain: James Bond’s Thunderball, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash, Into the Blue, and more.

As the Exuma Islands are a little harder to get to – and the huge cruise ships don’t come here – you’ll find a more exotic and luxurious experience with little to no crowds.

In fact, we had one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen in the world, Pirate Beach, all to ourselves. And that was on Staniel Cay, one of the most populated cays in the Exumas.

Spanning 176 miles and made up of 356 islands and cays, the Exumas offer nothing but pristine beaches and outdoor activities. Be prepared for endless white sand, swirling sapphire blue and turquoise waters, wildlife encounters, and stunning pink and orange skies at sunset.

It’s an open invitation to escape from the hustle and chaos of life to relearn how to relax and enjoy days being with nature.

Where is Staniel Cay and the Exuma Islands?

The Exuma Cays are an archipelago of 365 remote islands stretching across the Tropic of Cancer in the southern half of The Bahamas.

They are found about 250-miles southeast of Florida and 75-miles south of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The Bahama Islands are actually in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea, but the country is part of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community.

Staniel Cay is one of the larger islands and is located at the heart of the Exuma Cays. As it has one of the only landing airport strips it has become the gateway to the Exuma archipelago.

Many tourists come in and out each day for the swimming with pigs’ tour from Nassau, and this small island community is home to around 100 residents.

I was disappointed leaving after four days, I couldn’t imagine flying in for just the day, seeing the beauty of the Exumas, and then leaving. I suggest staying for two nights at least.

How to get to Staniel Cay?

Unless you’re sailing in, the only way to get to Staniel Cay is by small plane. It’s just another reason to visit this beautiful island in the Exumas as the 30-minute flight is a scenic one.

It was overcast and at dusk when we flew into Staniel Cay from Nassau, so we did not see too much below but had front-row seats to a beautiful sunset.

On the way back, our morning flight with bright sunny skies unveiled a stunning vista below of the Exuma Islands, which we flew over almost the entire way.

You can either fly in from Nassau (Bahamas) via Flamingo Air or Titan Air or fly in from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (Florida, US) via Makers Air or Staniel Air.

Flamingo Air, Titan Air, and Maker’s Air have flights twice daily.

When is the best time to visit Staniel Cay?

I was surprised to discover that Staniel Cay is a popular place to visit year-round. While Staniel Cay has never been hit by a major hurricane, it doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

It’s probably best to plan your visit outside of hurricane season, which usually lasts from early June to late November, and sometimes into early December. The wettest month is October, but it still only receives on average 12 days of rain in the whole month.

Peak times are Christmas and New Year, Spring Break, the 4th of July, Bahamian Independence Day, and the first week in August.

June and July are the busy high season. The low season is usually mid-August/early September to mid-November, but keep in mind that this is also the rainy season.

A good time to visit the Exumas is the Spring. From April, the weather is at its mildest and you are blessed with sunny skies. The peak season runs from December until early April, so a good time to visit would be late April and May, which will see fewer crowds and good weather.

Things to Do on Staniel Cay

At only half a mile by two miles long, exploring Staniel Cay is effortless and relaxing. There is no need to hurry. Slow days are the best days in the Bahama Islands.

1. Swimming Pigs Tour

The best thing to do while in Staniel Cay, and why most people come here, is the ‘Swimming with Pigs tour’. Pig Island, or Big Major Cay as it’s often known as, is the island next to Staniel Cay and is a short five-minute boat ride.

The best way to see them is to join a swimming with pigs’ tour, 3 N’s Exuma Vacations has the number 1 ranked tour on TripAdvisor and offers a premium four-hour tour that offers small group sizes.

It has seven stops as well as Pig Beach, and includes drinks (even local Bahamian beer, Kalik), snacks, snorkel gear, beach towels, and entrance fees and taxes. They also offer private tours.

Think sunning Bahamian Rock Iguanas on the beach of Bitter Guana Cay, swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, snorkeling in a (movie-famous) grotto, and stepping on one of the most beautiful sandbars in the world.

2. Get Around by golf cart

As the island is only one mile by two miles, you can walk everywhere on Staniel Cay. But more fun is zipping around the island in a golf cart, which you can rent from Embrace Resort.

Our girls were most excited about this – particularly Kalyra, who is currently getting her driver’s license and wanted to practice.

However, you must be fully licensed and eighteen, so we canned that idea, and she had fun sitting in the back instead.

This is one of those times when the journey becomes part of the destination. Look at these stunning views you get as you drive around in your open-air vehicle.

3. Explore the beaches on Staniel Cay

There are five main beaches on Staniel Cay: Town Beach, Pirate Trap Beach, Ocean Beach, Ho Tai Cay Beach, and South Beach.

The last two beaches we did not visit. I’m not sure why. Possible confusion as to how to get there on the golf cart, but probably because we were blinded by the beauty of Pirate Beach!

Spend the day on Pirate Beach

Hello, one of our new top ten beaches in the world. We could not believe the vistas of Pirate Beach as we pulled up in our golf cart.

The conditions were perfect. Still, crystal clear, light blue water – it was like being at a giant swimming pool – super soft white sand. And there was no one on it.

On both days we visited Pirate beach there was only us and a passing boat with a couple who stopped for a while.

It was the perfect beach for swimming, sitting under shady trees and reading (or at the edge of the water) having a picnic, or exploring.

You can wade over to a small island on the eastern side of the beach which gives you views out to the ocean. Imagine our surprise when we rounded the small outcropping of rocks to see a super yacht parked just offshore in its own private space.

In this area, there is a small cove, which I imagine is how it got the name Pirate Trap Beach, as these shallow waters would trap a pirate – or at least hide one!

I could not get over how powdery the sand was. I’d sit there watching Savannah read by the edge of the water, just playing with the sand; it was like flour.

Don’t swim too far out. There is a strong current in the darker blue waters – you’ll see it and it will for sure sweep you out to the ocean.

Pirate Beach is on the northernmost part of the island, about a 5 min golf cart ride, or 20-minute walk from Embrace Resort.

We recommend packing a picnic from the Flying Pig Café and using your cooler from your Embrace Resort villa.

Take a short hike to Ocean Beach

The first thing you’ll notice arriving at Ocean Beach is that it’s not a beach for swimming. As it’s on the ocean side of the island, the water is a lot rougher and there could be riptides to watch for.

Nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful beach, and worth taking the short beach trail to reach it.

You must park your golf cart at the beginning of the path – there is a sign – and walk up. Do not drive the cart, it will get stuck. Tajia, our host at Embrace Resort recommends Ocean Beach as the place for sunrise on Staniel Cay.

Relax on Public Beach

This small beach is located next to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. There were never more than five people on it when we visited, although there were a few boats moored out the front.

On our first afternoon swim, a sting ray joined us at the edge of the shore. This was just after our morning swimming with pigs, and sharks, and hanging out with iguanas. What a place the Exumas are!

There are also lounge chairs on the beach for use. You can also go kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding and rent gear from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, if you prefer to be a little more active.

Video: More reasons to love the Exumas

4. Get a Massage from the Therapist to the Stars!

Khori from Illusions by the Sea came to our villa for an incredible deep-tissue massage. I felt like a new person after it and have made a pact with 2023 to make this a monthly thing!

You know you are in good hands when your massage therapist is the masseuse to the stars. Yep, we were one degree of separation from many famous stars including Michael Jordan, Paris Hilton, Johnny Depp, and Pooh Bear.

In fact, my massage was postponed because Khori was caught up with Johnny Depp on his private island. #ThisIstheExumas

5. Watch The Sunset on Public Beach

Grab your cooler with a few drinks and some snacks and pull up a lounge chair on Public Beach for a spectacular sunset event.

The sunset is better from here than from the Staniel Yacht Club (mentioned below) as it’s a much wider vista, and we had it all to ourselves. It was the perfect way to end our Staniel Cay vacation.

6. Enjoy Sunset Drinks at Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is legendary on this tiny island. It’s the place where celebrities come to feel somewhat normal, drink a rum cocktail at the bars, and not be disturbed.

We came down here one evening to watch the sunset. We grabbed a rum cocktail and sat on the small deck outside for sunset. We enjoyed watching the huge boats dock into the marina just as much.

Although insider knowledge says they were babies compared to the super yachts that navigate the deeper waters.

7. See the Feeding of Nurse Sharks at Staniel Yacht Club

While at the Staniel Yacht Club, pier over the edge of the marina to see a school of nurse sharks feeding off the scraps the fishermen throw in from the nearby cleaning station.

While they are docile and gentle, they still have sharp teeth and won’t tolerate any stupid humans.

You have the opportunity to swim with nurse sharks on the swimming with pigs’ tour.

8. Tour the nearby islands and beaches by boat

If there is one thing we regret about our Staniel Cay vacation, it’s not exploring the nearby islands and beaches in a boat.

Sadly, we did not feel confident to drive a boat around on our own, as our experience is limited and you have to think about tides, reefs, sandbars, and more when you’re cruising around. The last thing we wanted to do was crash a boat and get stranded on a remote island…Or did we?

If you can confidently drive a boat, then definitely rent one while on Staniel Cay. Embrace Resort and 3N’s Exuma Vacation Travel Agency can help you organize that.

In hindsight, we wish we had of hired a local driver to take us around.

All you’re going to find out there are hidden coves, jaw-dropping sandbars, wildlife, and empty beaches. Pack your picnic, snorkels, sunscreen, and your curious and zen like spirit.

9. Go snorkelling (or scuba diving) at Thunderball Grotto

Just a short boat ride west of Staniel Cay and you’ll reach the impressive Thunderbal Grotto, an underwater cave system that is great fun to snorkel or dive in.

If you’ve seen the James Bond Thunderball movie, then you will surely recognise this spot (hense the name, Thunderball).

As you might expect from Staniel Cay in the Bahamas, it’s alive with marine live and vibrant coral reefs. You might see some yellow-tail snappers, Angel fish, Sergeant Majors and maybe even some nurse sharks!

Where to Eat on Staniel Cay

There are only a few places to eat on Staniel Cay (plus grocery stores listed below).

Remember that food on the island is imported, so some menu items may not be available when you visit.

Embrace Hotel has a provisioning service where they can have groceries from Nassau ready for you when you arrive.

Flying Pig Café Embrace Resort

We ate most meals during our stay at the Flying Pig Café at our Embrace Resort. Even if you are not staying here, you can eat at their café.

I was surprised at how affordable, fresh, and delicious the food was. Kalyra couldn’t get enough of the chicken bacon panini, Craig and I ordered the flank steak nearly every day, and Savannah fell in love with Mahi Mahi.

Those fluffy chocolate chip breakfast waffles were a huge hit, especially with the $6 price tag! There are gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options on the menu, like a coconut chickpea curry.

We were thrilled that the Flying Pig Café also had fantastic coffee, and signature cocktails at an affordable price.

There is a shaded outdoor seating area, a lovely modern ambiance, and a fun games night every Thursday for the Staniel Cay community. We were sad to miss it due to the rainy weather cancellation.

You can read more about the Flying Pig Café in our Embrace Resort review.

Staniel Yacht Club

There is also the option to dine at the Staniel Yacht Club for lunch or dinner. Note that the prices will be more expensive for dinner than lunch. We were lucky, on the evening we ate here, that they were only operating from the lunch menu, which was more affordable.

They had gluten-free buns, so I had a blackened fresh catch burger with Asian slaw. The kid’s menu was quite expensive at $15 for chicken tenders!

Where to Stay on Staniel Cay

As it’s a small island, there aren’t many accommodation options – mostly vacation rentals in small bungalows. The only “hotel” choice is the Embrace Resort, which is where we stayed.

Embrace Resort was opened in 2014 by a local Bahamian woman, Nicole (Nikki) who has been working in the tourism industry for 30 years.

The resort aims to embrace the true essence of Bahamian culture – relaxation and a place where families can come together.

We love that Embrace Resort is an all-female, family-owned business that is the product of love and experience. The Resort is made up of 7 one-bedroom villas to three-bedroom villas, surrounding a swimming pool and lush gardens.

All guest rooms come with the amenities you would expect from a resort, such as safety features like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the room, flat screen tv with cable channels, free toiletries in the bathroom, and of course, free Wi-Fi.

Amenities on Staniel Cay

Come prepared for your stay on Staniel Cay as there are limited amenities. 

The village (only three tiny streets) is mostly a residential house, a church, a marine supply store, a post office, a library, a clinic, a small casino, three grocery stores, and a laundromat/ liquor store.

The grocery stores are:

•  Pink Pearl Groceries – cheapest.
•  Burke’s Convenience Store – the most expensive.
•  Isles General A-Z Store – closest to Embrace Resort.

There is also a liquor store for more affordable alcohol options. Don’t forget duty-free on your way to The Bahamas.

How much does it cost to visit Staniel Cay?

As this is a very subjective question closely tied to your spending habits, the size of your party, and what hacking strategies you implement to get free or cheaper flights via mileage points, I can only give a rough guideline for costs on Staniel Cay.

Most of the Staniel Cay attractions listed in this post will be free. Here’s a quick budget breakdown to give you an idea:

• Accommodation at Embrace Resort: At the time of writing (January 2023) room prices start at $250 for one bedroom, $550 for 2 bedroom and $600 for 3 bedrooms.
• Meals: At Flying Pig Cafe, Expect to pay $6-12 for breakfast and around $12 – $35 for lunch and dinner. Staniel Cay Yacht Club expect to pay around $20-$50
• Alcohol: Cocktails ranged from $10 – $16 | Beers $5-$6
• Golf Cart Rental: Start from $60
• Swimming with pigs tour starts from $300. Embrace Resort guests receive 30% off.

FAQs About Visiting Staniel Cay Bahamas

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting the Exumas and staying in Staniel Cay.

Is Staniel Cay Safe?

We found Staniel Cay to be very safe and did not feel nervous or afraid once. Theft or crime is not really a problem, locals even leave the keys in their golf carts and sleep with doors unlocked. 

The island is small and everyone knows everyone, so there’s not a lot that can go by undiscovered. But again, that doesn’t mean things can’t happen so be cautious.

As with any place you travel to, it’s important to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings!

Is there an ATM on the island / are cards accepted?

There is no ATM on the island, so bring cash. You can use USD or Bahamian dollars. It’s a 1:1 currency exchange. You may receive Bahamian change if you use USD or vice versa.

Yes, Credit Cards are also accepted!

What is the weather like in Staniel Cay?

The Exumas have a tropical savanna climate with dry winters. The yearly average maximum temperature in Exumas is 81°F (ranging from 76°F in march to 85°F in august). 

Annual rainfall is 64.3 inches, with a minimum of 2.1 inches in March and a maximum of 11.7 inches in October. 

We visited in the first week of January and had lovely warm weather (80F) every day with a few sudden, but quick rain showers. Understand that weather is always unpredictable and cannot be controlled. Learn how to dance in the rain! 

What is a Cay?

Don’t feel silly if you’re wondering what a Cay is or how to pronounce it. Because that was all me.

Cay is pronounced Key (like the Florida Keys) and it’s simply a naturally occurring low island, either a sandbar or a coral reef. Cay is most often applied to Caribbean islands and comes from the Spanish word, Cayo, which means key.

Do you have to tip?

Tipping is not compulsory but welcome and accepted as the norm. Some places may automatically add on a gratuity of 15% so be sure to check your bill. Remember to tip your guides as well. 

Final Thoughts on a Staniel Cay Vacation

It may take time for your Western wired-up physics to relax into Bahama Time. That is, things happen when they happen, you go with the flow of the day, and mostly there isn’t anything to do but swim, read, and be mesmerized by nature’s beauty.

Remember this, it’s okay to do nothing. Being busy is not always best and you will not fall behind if you put stillness first.

This trip took me back to my days backpacking Southeast Asia and Africa – before smartphones and social media – and I could not stop yearning to return to that.

They were the days spent being fully present, engaging in what was right in front of me, connecting to other cultures, people, and nature, and feeling hidden from the outside world.

Those were truly the best days and I think in this hyper-connected social world, we all need more of them.

This is Staniel Cay, and the Exuma Islands!

Staniel Cay was everything a tropical Caribbean vacation should be. No development. No frantic pace. Hardly any cars. I felt the tension unwinding as each minute ticked down. For the four days we spent in the Exumas, the rest of the world did not exist.

Our home away from home was Embrace Resort, Staniel Cay’s first Bahamian-owned hotel, from the first female entrepreneurs in its 100-year history!

Our days were spent swimming with pigs and sharks, sunning with iguanas, and witnessing some of the most beautiful beaches and sunsets we’ve seen in the world.

In this guide, we’ll reveal to you everything you need to know about staying at the Embrace Resort as well as all the reasons why we loved it.

Before we share more about the resort and Flyin’ Pig Cafe, let me first tell you exactly where in the world Staniel Cay is!

Where are Staniel Cay and The Exuma Islands?

The Exuma Cays are an oasis of 365 remote islands stretching across the Tropic of Cancer in the southern half of The Bahamas.

They are located about 250-miles southeast of Florida and 75-miles south of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. The Bahama Islands are actually in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea, but the country is part of CARICOM, the Caribbean Community.

The Exumas are known for being more remote and exotic than the northern islands of the Bahamas, and so you can often find celebrities hiding out here in their super yachts and private islands.

Staniel Cay is one of the larger islands and is located at the heart of the Exuma Cays. As it has one of the only landing airport strips it has become the gateway to the Exuma archipelago.

Many tourists come in and out each day for a swimming with pigs’ tour from Nassau, and this small island community is home to around 100 residents, and the Embrace Resort is located near to the amazing Thunderball Grotto and Pig Beach.

Video: Reasons to love the Exuma Islands

About Embrace Resort in Staniel Cay

Embrace Resort was opened in 2014 by a local Bahamian woman, Nicole (Nikki) who has been working in the tourism industry for 30 years.

The resort aims to embrace the true essence of Bahamian culture – relaxation and a place where families can come together.

We love that Embrace Resort is a family-owned business that is the product of love and experience.

Check-In Experience at Embrace Resort

Our check-in experience was as smooth as to be expected. Our host, Natajia, greeted us in a golf cart with a beaming smile and an exuberant wave like we were long-lost friends, and a welcome I’ve come to know from my global travel experiences.

You know how easy it is for strangers to become friends if you break down initial barriers with a warm and authentic greeting that says, “I’m so happy to meet you! Because I know you’ll have a difference that will intrigue me and a similarity that helps me feel connected.”

“Want a tour of the island before you check in?” she asked. Natajia whizzed around in the golf cart the handful of small streets that made up the tiny village of Staniel Cay.

The island is only half a mile by two miles, so the introduction was short, but enough for me to know I was in the right place!

We drove past spectacular beaches as the sun was setting, roosters running freely, groups of men sitting around playing dominoes, and plenty of smiling faces.

After that, we met the welcoming front desk staff who checked our reservations and showed us to our villa. All you need to check-in here is your booking confirmation and the credit card you paid with (you need to complete an online registration beforehand where you pay via a secure link).

You may need to pay a deposit on arrival for incidental charges, and the reception is open daily from 8.00am – 5:00pm.

Reasons to Stay at Embrace Resort

Now you have been introduced, let’s look at the many reasons why you’ll love staying at the Embrace Resort on your vacation! 

1. An Inspiring All-Female Owned Local Business

The thing to love most about Embrace Resort is that it’s an all-woman and locally owned business by a mother-daughter team who were both born and raised in Staniel Cay. 

In fact, it was their descendants who first settled Staniel Cay (and played a role in settling the wild pigs on nearby Pig Island.)

Embrace Resort didn’t appear with developer funding or bank loans. It was built on a dream and lifelong commitment to creating a true Bahamian vacation experience for travelers.

Mother (and founder), Nicole Ferguson built the villas one by one using the profits made from her golf cart rental business. That’s all she could do as banks kept shutting her down for loans as they did not think a hotel near an airport would be successful (more on that in the review below.)

As we know, never say no to a woman with a dream and a fierce commitment. Because now it is a thriving 7-villa resort property that reflects the tropical beauty, warmth, and friendliness of the Bahamian culture.

While it’s called a resort, the Embrace Resort is not one of those all-inclusive, large, and touristy kinds of places to stay.

It’s warm, friendly, quiet, peaceful, and small. It had a lovely communal feel similar to hostels – you could easily find time and spaces to chat with your fellow travelers.

That’s largely attributed to daughter, Natijia who has used her experience as a global traveler and working in hospitality in Dubai and China to create exceptional customer service for all kinds of visitors.

It’s not just at Embrace Resort where this commitment to creating the best vacation starts and ends. The Mother Daughter team also own 3N’s Exuma Vacations, which was the first travel agency on Staniel Cay, and is rated #1 on TripAdvisor and holds a Badge of Excellence.

Their premium Swimming with Pigs tour is the most popular for the region and caters to travelers flying in from Nassau for the day or joining the tour from Embrace Resort.

3Ns is an acronym for the 3 generations of women, Nellie (the grandmother and inspiration), Nikki, (the mother and foundation), and Natajia (the daughter and continuation). 

Late Grandmother Nellie always encouraged Nikki to start a travel agency because of her in-depth knowledge of the Exumas Cays and passion for service.

2. It’s A Sustainable Eco-Resort

Embrace Resort is committed to sustainability and eco-tourism. It was built with advice from OBMI’s Environmental Consultant, Denaye Hinds. They source the majority of locally produced and/or recycled items as much as possible and employ local people.

They have a towel reuse program and encourage guests to turn off electricity and reduce water usage during their stay, and their plant irrigation system has been very successful in reusing water while keeping their gardens flourishing.

EMBRACE plans to partner with organizations like Cans for Kids, Go Green Bahamas, the Bahamas National Trust and the neighboring Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park in the future to help create an eco-friendlier community.

I feel safe in saying all of Staniel Cay is an ecotourism dream destination. Apart from a couple of small, local restaurants, grocery stores and a yacht club, it’s all pristine natural beauty. There are no high-rises, no chains, and minimal vehicles!

Remember to do your part as a traveler who cares about leaving gentler footprints and support local (easy to do here).

Reuse your towels, reduce daily housekeeping, and turn off your AC. Let the fans circulate the air and enjoy that cool Bahamian breeze.

3. It has Bahamian Villas to Suit all Travel Styles

How these villas are named, designed, and created, are testament to the care the Fergusons have applied to make a stay here all about experiencing Bahamian culture.

EMBRACE is an acronym for the names of all the villas, which are named after some of the Bahama islands.

The interior design is aimed to match the character of the island it’s named after. For example, Bimini will have lots of blues as it’s an island known for deep-sea fishing.

• Exuma (2 bedroom) – named after the beautiful Exuma Islands. This villa is perfect for families (where we stayed)

• Mayaguana (1 bedroom) – is one of the only islands to hold onto its Lucayan name (people of the islands) and was the first of the Embrace Villas built. You can choose to have a king bed or two twin beds with this room.
• Bimini (2 bedrooms) – named after the fishing capital of the Bahamas
• Ragged Island – is about romance and seclusion. This honeymoon villa is outfitted with an in-room jacuzzi jetted tub, mood lighting, and a walk-in shower.

• Andros (3 bedroom) this villa matches the name of the biggest island in the country. Comes with a dining room and kitchen.
• Cat Island (1 bedroom) The orange and red hues of this cottage take you back to the days of traditional Bahamian open-fire cooking.
• Eleuthera (1 bedroom) is known for its natural beauty and juicy pineapples!

Not only are the villas reflective of Bahamian culture, but they form a circle around the central swimming area. So, like the Embrace name, it’s giving everyone a giant hug and helping all guests feel like part of the family.

All villas will have views over the small pool and with the lush gardens surrounding the property, it feels very tropical. They also have a living area with sofa bed and a kitchenette with microwaves.

As you can see, they have villas to suit all types of travelers. All guestrooms come with the amenities you would expect from a resort, such as safety features like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the room, a flat screen tv with cable channels, free toiletries in the bathroom, and of course, free wifi.

At the time of writing (January 2023) room prices start at $250 for one bedroom, $550 for 2 bedroom and $600 for 3 bedrooms. You can also put in special requests for cribs and rollaway infant beds, but there are no extra beds for adults.

Embrace also offers vacation home rentals on the island, which can sleep from 2 to 10 people depending on which property you choose.

If you’re traveling with a large group of 10 to 25 guests, you can even book out the entire Embrace Resort – perfect for those wanting a destination wedding!

4. Exuma Villas Are Great for Families

We stayed in the Exuma villa, which is perfect for families, with two bedrooms downstairs and a living area and kitchen upstairs.

We loved the extra space the villa gave us all, especially now we have a teen and tween. We had a lovely balcony we could sit on to enjoy the views and Bahama Breezes, and we could see quite a bit of the island from here.

As Staniel Cay is a quiet island – no real nightlife – we enjoyed relaxing on the couch for an evening watching Netflix, reading books, or crocheting (Savanna’s new hobby). Perhaps pack a deck of cards or other small games your family likes to play together!

The self-contained kitchen is perfect for families and guests wanting to reduce their costs of eating out, and there are three grocery stores on the island where you can get supplies:

• Pink Pearl Groceries – cheapest.
• Burke’s Convenience Store – the most expensive.
• Isles General A-Z Store – closest to Embrace Resort.

There is also a liquor store for more affordable alcohol options. Don’t forget duty free on your way to The Bahamas.

As supplies are limited on the island, Embrace Hotel has a provisioning service where they can have groceries from Nassau ready for you when you arrive.

If you don’t want to worry about cooking and have a budget that allows for it, Embrace Resort has an affordable on-site café – the Flying Pig.

5. Affordable Upscale Dining at the Flying Pig Café

I had a few people warn me about how expensive The Bahamas would be for food, so I was pleasantly surprised that the food at the Flying Pig Café was quite on par with what you’d pay in the States.

Some meals were a little more expensive but bear in mind food has to be imported from Nassau or the USA so costs will be higher. Meals will be a little smaller than you get in the USA too, which is not a bad thing at all.

It also means some menu items may not be available each day if they run out before the next supply run. So be flexible and patient. All meals are made from scratch with fresh ingredients daily.

All the food items we had were delicious with quite a few upscale items, like shrimp ceviche. Except they were out of shrimp, so I had lobster ceviche instead. YUM!

The flying Pig is a new addition to the Embrace Resort and opened in the summer of 2022.

We ate at the Flying Pig almost every day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – during our four-night stay and loved the freshness of the food. I was very happy to see quite a few gluten-free options on the menu too. Vegans and vegetarians will have options as well, like a coconut chickpea curry.

Breakfast at the Flying Pig

Expect to pay $6-12 for breakfast. Our girls loved the chocolate chip waffles. They were large and fluffy and oozing with chocolate goodness. They were probably some of the best I’ve ever seen and only $6. 

They have other pastry items available like croissants and cinnamon rolls, as well as parfait, French toast and acai bowls.

Craig and I enjoyed a western omelet most mornings, which came with toast, and breakfast potatoes. This was $12 and very filling.

And here’s a GREAT thing: The Flying Pig café is a coffee shop that makes GOOD coffee! It’s the only place on the island to get a proper cup of coffee, made to order. 

Lunch and Dinner at the Flying Pig Cafe

For lunch and dinner (same menu) expect to pay around. $12 – $35

Our teen said the chicken bacon melt was the best she’s ever had and ordered it multiple times. The wings were delicious – we loved the sweet guava sauce ($12)

The grilled mahi mahi fish was so fresh and delicious ($30+) and I loved putting it on my Greek Salad and Savannah loved stealing half my fish, if she wasn’t having it in the form of fish fingers ($15).

Craig and I loved the flank steak with charred asparagus and potato wedges ($28). Everything was cooked perfectly and beautifully seasoned. It was hard NOT to order this every night.

Kids meals were your typical pasta, chicken nuggets and grilled cheese and cost $8-10. Compared with the Staniel Cay Yacht Club where they were $15.

For a taste of the Bahamas, be sure to order some conch. It comes in various styles: chowder, fritters, and bites.

While we did not have any dessert, they do have it on the menu: coconut mousse, guava cheesecake, and flourless chocolate cake ($7-$12).

The café also has snacks like chips, muffins, fruit, chocolate, and muesli bars. And, they have a full bar and signature cocktails – made with the Bahama’s favorite liquor – rum.

I enjoyed my “Getting Piggy With it” and “Bahama Mama”. Again, both were $12 which I think is quite reasonable in comparison to US prices and for a resort on a remote island.

As everything is made to order and can get busy, expect a wait for your food. Sit in the sun – or at shaded tables – order a rum punch and enjoy relaxing into Bahama time.

We’d order our food and then either get ready for the day or attend to other tasks while waiting. Be sure to allow time before your excursions for the day to order and eat. We’d allow for an hour.

Also, you can always take food from the café back to your villa or out on your day trip.

We had this lovely picnic on the incredible Pirate Beach with food and really good drinks we packed into our cooler (which comes with each villa).

The Flying Pig Café has a lovely outdoor seating area with shaded tables. Inside are more tables and a lovely modern design inside with pig paraphernalia, pink walls, bright paintings, and floral arrangements. 

Yes, you can eat at the Flying Pig Café even if you aren’t staying at the resort. It’s an affordable place to eat and we saw many people walking in or riding in on their golf carts to dine there.

NOTE: The 3N’s Exuma Vacation Swimming with Pigs tour stops here for lunch after the tour.

As it’s next door to the airport, it’s a great place to eat while you’re waiting for your plane – way better than sitting round at the airport. You can even hear your plane arrive, so you know when to walk over.

• Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:30AM – 9:00PM; Sunday – Closed

6. The Swimming Pool is Amazing

While we loved spending time at the stunning beaches every day, we also enjoyed time to relax around the outdoor pool.

As this area is also known for swimming with nurse sharks (especially around Compass Cay marina), I liked the addition of the shark mosaic tiles at the bottom of the pool, a little unnerving but a fun touch!

There is a shaded cabana-style deck area above the pool with oversized couches adding to the lux feel.

All villas include beach towels and a cooler for you to take with you to the beach.

7. Personalized, Friendly Service

With its small size, and family-style atmosphere, personalized service is easy to get at Embrace. 

Staff was always on hand to answer questions and help us. Tajia helped make our vacation experience better by sharing lots of stories about the island and tips like Pirate Beach, which hardly anyone goes to, and turned out to be one of our favorite beaches in the world!

All guests get a complimentary airport and marina transfers – enjoy that golf cart ride!

She also helped organize a massage therapist for us with Khori from Illusions by the Sea. Khori came to our villa for an incredible deep-tissue massage, which helped me feel like a new person. My knots were BAD!

You know you are in good hands when your massage therapist is the masseuse to the stars. Yep, we were one degree of separation from many famous stars including Michael Jordan, Paris Hilton, Johnny Depp and Pooh Bear.

8. Effortless & High-Quality Swimming with Pigs’ Tour

Joining a Swimming with Pigs tour is effortless when you stay at Embrace Resort. As mentioned, they own and run the number one rated tour in the Exumas for this. 

You’ll be taken to the boat dock when the tour is ready to go and dropped back off for lunch at the Flying Pig Cafe. Guests of the resort get a 30% discount off their swimming pigs’ tours.

Video: Swimming with Pigs Tour

9. Convenient Location

Remember when the banks denied Nikki funding because of her location next door to the airport and not on the beachfront? Now, usually, if you were anywhere else, particularly a big city, this would be a negative, but on Staniel Cay it’s not.

Due to the size of the island, everywhere is near the airport. And a two-minute golf cart ride will get you to the beautiful Public Beach, which is great for sunset. And just down from there are the grocery stores, and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, also popular for sunset drinks. 

And our favorite beach, Pirate Beach, was only a five-minute drive away! You can also walk to all of these places, with Pirate Cove being the furthest at twenty minutes!

Being near the airport certainly makes your airport transfers easy. In fact, you can sit on the patio of the Flying Pig café until you hear the airplane land, and then it’s a 2 min walk to the airport to board – no more waiting around with the crowds. 

And there are no noise pollution issues either as the runway and planes are small and the flights don’t start going until around 8am and finish at dusk!

Golf Cart Rentals

I mentioned it was fun getting picked up from the airport in a golf cart, what’s even better is zipping around the island in your own rental.

You can get anywhere on the island within 5-10 minutes. You certainly won’t be complaining about the spectacular open-air views and cool breezes.

This was the first thing the girls wanted to do when we arrived, and they asked for it often during our stay. They loved sitting in the back watching Staniel Cay village go by with the wind whipping their hair. 

Our 15-year-old was disappointed she couldn’t drive it, but you must be 18 with a valid license. They are strict with it on the Cay and will dish out fines!

You can rent 2, 4 and 6-seater golf carts, and guests of the resort get 25% off.

Spa Services

The Spa for Embrace Resort is not yet open, but you can still order some spa treatments such as massage services to your room. A fitness center is also due to be added to the resort very soon.

How to Get to Staniel Cay

Unless you’re sailing in, the only way to get to Staniel Cay is by small plane. It’s just another reason to visit this beautiful island in the Exumas as the 30-minute flight is a scenic one. 

It was overcast and at dusk when we flew into Staniel Cay from Nassau, so did not see too much below but had front row seats to a beautiful sunset.

But, on the way back to Nassau, our morning flight with bright sunny skies unveiled a stunning vista below of the Exuma Islands, which we flew over almost the entire way.

Those coming into Staniel Cay for a day trip to see the swimming pigs will also fly in from Nassau.

You can either fly in from Nassau (Bahamas) via Flamingo Air or Titan Air or fly in from Ft. Lauderdale (Florida, US) via Makers Air or Staniel Air. Flamingo Air, Titan Air, and Maker’s Air have flights twice daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting the Exuma and staying in Staniel Cay.

How will the weather be?

The Exumas have a tropical savanna climate with dry winters. The yearly average maximum temperature in Exumas is 81°F (ranging from 76°F in march to 85°F in august). Annual rainfall is 64.3 inches, with a minimum of 2.1 inches in March and a maximum of 11.7 inches in October. 

We visited in the first week of January and had lovely warm weather (80F) every day with a few sudden, but quick rain showers. Understand that weather is always unpredictable and cannot be controlled. Learn how to dance in the rain! 

Is there an ATM on the island / are cards accepted?

There is no ATM on the island, so bring cash. 

You can use USD or Bahamian dollars. It’s a 1:1 currency exchange. You may receive Bahamian change if you use USD, or vice versa. Credit Cards are also accepted. 

Is Staniel Cay Safe?

As with any place you travel to, it’s important to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. We found Staniel Cay to be very safe and did not feel nervous or afraid once. 

Theft or crime is not really a problem, locals even leave the keys in their golf carts and sleep with doors unlocked. 

The island is small and everyone knows everyone, so there’s not a lot that can go by undiscovered. But again, that doesn’t mean things can’t happen so be cautious. 

In Summary

It’s supporting and experiencing locally owned businesses and stories like this that always make my travels so much better. I travel to understand the locals more, to feed my curiosity and sense of awe, and develop empathy.

Embrace Resort will be so much more than just a bed to sleep in and will enhance those precious memories you make in the stunning Exuma Islands. 

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a happy disposition, and purchase travel insurance!

Until fairly recently, swimming with pigs in The Bahamas was not something on anyone’s radar. Word started to slowly trickle out about a small Exuma Island called Big Major Cay (also now called Pig Island) that a group of wild pigs were excited to see any tourist that wanted to visit with carrots in hand.

Now it’s one of the most popular attractions in The Bahamas!

I never realized how much of a thing swimming with pigs would be but so many in our community enthusiastically responded with, “I had no idea you could swim with pigs.” “I’ve never considered the Bahamas before, but now I’m planning on it.”

Even all the way from Australia – the land of beautiful beaches – our followers said, “How do I get there? I’m coming!”

This guide to swimming with pigs in the Exumas, Bahamas will tell you all you need to know including how to get there, what are the best tours, what to expect, proper etiquette, and the other incredible things you see and do on the swimming with pigs tour.

Because Pig Beach wasn’t even the highlight of our 1/2 day boat excursion for me!

Where Are The Exuma Cays?

The Exuma Cays are an oasis of 365 remote islands stretching across the Tropic of Cancer in the southern half of The Bahamas. They are known for being more remote and exotic than the northern islands of the Bahamas.

I hadn’t even heard of the Exuma Islands until Natijia from 3 N’s Exuma Vacations invited us to visit Staniel Cay and experience their swimming pigs’ tour. (They are our paid partner for this trip!)

I’m not sure why The Bahamas was never on my radar. Probably because I’m Australian and had my fair share of spectacular beaches and islands. Would it really interest me, or would I just be as blasé as one gets visiting Europe and seeing endless churches?

Nope. Impossible when you see the absolute paradise that is the Exuma Islands. No wonder many celebrities come here for a private escape.

Our Bahamas vacation became so much more than just a swimming with pigs excursion, which is why I recommend you spend longer in this spectacular region.

On our tour, we visited several of the cays and spent four nights on Staniel Cay at the Embrace Resort. We are already planning our return trip and loved escaping winter from our home in Raleigh, NC!

Where is Pig Island?

The original Pig Beach is on Pig Island which is actually called Big Major Cay. It’s an uninhabited island next door to Staniel Cay, the gateway to the Exuma Cays. 

Staniel Cay has the closest airport to the pigs, so most visitors joining the Pig Island tours by plane from Nassau or Paradise Island will arrive here.

If you’re taking a boat tour from Nassau or Paradise Island, it’s a 2-hour speed boat ride to Pig Island, each way! You can even get the ferry from Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida if you really want to (I don’t recommend).

Exuma Pigs History: Where did the pigs come from?

On a remote island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea lives a group of happy, healthy pigs. As they’ve lived there now for some time, they are native, but they didn’t start out that way!

There are a lot of stories about how the wild pigs of the Exuma Islands came to be. In fact, there’s a whole book on the subject called ‘Pigs of Paradise’ by T. R. Todd, if you’re really interested.

We learned the true story of where the pigs came from Natajia at Embrace Resort. And on what authority does she have to tell this?

Well, her grandparents were the original inhabitants of Staniel Cay and so she knows how the pigs moved from that island to the one next door, Big Major Cay.

As you can imagine pigs smell, and, on an island two miles long and half a mile wide, that smell can intensify quickly. Her family obviously needed food – not much is available naturally in the Exumas – so pigs were a necessity.

Instead of living amongst the uncomfortable smell of the pigs on Staniel Cay, they had the idea to move the pigs to the nearby desolate island. They could tend to them – and slaughter them – from there. And that’s the story of the pigs.

They soon grew comfortable in their paradise home and would often be visited by passing sailors and boaters who threw food scraps out to them. The pigs got used to this and would swim out to the boats for their feeding when they saw them arrive.

It has only been the past five years that swimming with these pigs became a thing and now it is one of the most popular things to do in all of the Bahamas.

I think the real star of this show though is the stunning natural beauty of the pig’s Exuma Island home. And there are now Pig Beaches popping up all over the Bahama Islands in an effort to capitalize on this world-famous phenomenon. 

But there is only one REAL Pig Beach and that is on Big Major Cay, which is right next door to Staniel Cay.

Best way to see the Swimming Pigs in the Bahamas

There are several ways you can do a tour swimming pigs in the Exuma Islands. Here are the most popular tour operators and what they offer.

3 N’s Exuma Vacations Swimming with Pigs Tour

Our tour was with 3N’s Exuma Vacations, a premium four-hour tour that offers small group sizes, seven stops, and includes drink (even local Bahamian beer, Kalik), snacks, snorkel gear, beach towels, and entrance fees and taxes. They also offer private tours.

3 N’s was the first travel agency in Staniel Cay and is rated #1 on TripAdvisor and holds a Badge of Excellence. With 3N’s, the tour will finish at the Flying Pig Café on site at the Embrace Resort.

This is an all-woman and locally owned agency by a mother-daughter team who were both born and raised in Staniel Cay. 

3Ns is an acronym for the 3 generations of women, Nellie (the grandmother and inspiration), Nikki, (the mother and foundation), and Natajia (the daughter and continuation). 

With 3N’s Swimming with Pigs tour you get a premium service with extra stops compared to most other tours. While we did not experience any other tour operator, from our observations we felt we were on one of the best tours due to small group sizes, more comfortable boats, and premium service.

Here are the three tours they run:

1. Group tour from Staniel Cay

The best way to do the swimming with pigs tour is from your accommodation on Staniel Cay. This Cay is paradise – as are all the Exuma Islands. If you’re coming all this way, why not spend a night or two on the Cay? 

You have to get the same flight over anyway, and this way you can spend more time relaxing in paradise. 

These tours start at $300, and guests of Embrace Resort receive a 30% discount for the tour. We stayed at Embrace Resort, which is owned by 3N’s Exuma Vacation, who run the swimming with pigs’ tour.

2. Flying in from Nassau for the day

You can join the 3N’s tour for a full-day trip from Nassau which includes a 30-minute scenic flight to Staniel Cay, which is where you will join the boat tour. 

The views from the plane are spectacular – so I hope you have great weather.

This is the second-best option. Once you arrive in Staniel Cay, you will join the group tour with those staying on the island and will be exactly the same as I’ve outlined in this post. At the time of writing (January 2023), this tour starts from $675.

3. Private Tour

Of course, the ultimate way to see the pigs (if your budget allows) would be on a private tour with your own boat. 

You will have the same experience but the luxury of your own personal space and more flexibility in your itinerary. The private tour would be a great idea if you have a large group traveling together and could save you money.

Alternative: Speed Boat tour from Nassau or Paradise Island

What if you are coming in for the day from Nassau and don’t want to fly? We understand that some people don’t have a lot of time (or budget) in the Bahamas and may not be able to travel to Staniel Cay like us.

There is an option to join a swimming with pig tour on a speed boat from Nassau. A few important things to note:

• It takes two-hours on a cramped boat just to get to Pig Island. Because of this you only get 10-15 minutes at four stops before you have the long two-hour trip back. 
• If the weather is bad, they won’t go because of choppy seas. But, if you’re flying in, or staying on the island, they can wait until the weather passes (which is common in the Exumas).

Personally, I don’t think it’s worth doing such a huge trip like this to see just the pigs for a short period of time, so don’t recommend it. Just like I wouldn’t recommend people driving four hours to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas for the day, just to see it for 15-minutes!

But, if this works for you and you really want to see the pigs, then go for it. It would be a more affordable option and I’m sure others have enjoyed it.

Although I have not been to Nassau, I found the Exuma Islands spectacularly beautiful and relaxed so would choose having a vacation here instead.

There are also swimming with pig tours from Nassau that go to other islands closer to Nassau. But note, these will not take you to the original swimming pigs, but to places that have placed pigs there to benefit from eager tourists wanting to see them.

What to expect from a Swimming with Pigs Bahamas tour?

This is based upon our experience with the 3N’s Exuma Vacation tour and our observations:

• You will get 25-minutes at all stops on the tours and the order of stops is never set in stone. Your guide will decide where to go first taking into consideration tides and avoidance of crowds.
• Tours depart once all guests flying in from Nassau arrive. Inclement weather may also delay departure. But with the Exumas, the downpours often don’t last long. Have patience, you will still get your four-hour, half-day tour no matter when you depart.
• Our guide was excellent at telling us before the tour started, before we jumped off the boat for each stop, and even while we were having the experience, how to behave and care for the animals and avoid getting bitten. I did not see anyone from our group behaving badly. Listen to the guide and care for the animals. If you get bitten, consider what you were doing that led to that.

• You’ll see we did not get any staged or unnatural selfies with the pigs. They were moving too quickly in search of food, and I wasn’t about to harass a pig just to get a vanity shot. The shots we got were all natural. If conditions are different for you then go for it!
• As lifelong travelers, we know how disappointing it can be if the weather is not blue skies and sunshine. But it can’t be helped or controlled. You can still have a great time and get awesome photos.
• You can feed the pigs, but not processed foods. You will be given fruit and vegetables, such as apples, watermelon, carrots etc. When feeding the pigs, hold your hand out flat and be mindful of their chompers!

• Check to see what your tour provides. You may need to bring your own water or snacks – you will need a little pick-me-up. And bring a towel! You will get wet. Our tour supplied all of this.
• Wear reef-safe suncream. Don’t spoil the natural beauty of The Bahamas by wearing toxic suncream that harms the fish. Try to invest in a reef-safe suncream before you go.

Video: Swimming with Pigs tour

Best Time to Visit the Bahamas to Swim with Pigs

If you’re planning ahead and wondering when to fit this attraction into your Bahamas itinerary, then you will want to plan your visit for outside the hurricane season.

The hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November, and sometimes into early December. Weirdly, Staniel Cay has never been hit by a major hurricane, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

A good time to visit is the Spring. From April, the weather is at its mildest and you are blessed with sunny skies. The peak season runs from December until early April, so a good time to visit would be late April and May, which will see fewer crowds and good weather.

Peak times are Christmas and New Year, Spring Break, the 4th of July, Bahamian Independence Day, and the first week in August. 

June and July are the busy high season.

The low season is usually mid-August to mid-November, but keep in mind that this is also the rainy season.

Surprisingly, Staniel Cay is good to visit year-round, and we had lovely 80F temps in January.

What Are The Boats Like?

The boats are quite small to allow for easy navigation around the islands, beaches, sandbars, and tide changes. 

Our boat with 3 N’s Exuma Vacations from Staniel Cay had comfortable seating for the 13 of us on tour. Craig sat up the back behind the captain so we had more room at the front and so he could take photos. 

The beauty of this pig’s tour is not just that Pig Island is only 10-minutes-away, or the stops you make along the way, but getting to the stops. You’ll cruise by stunning beaches, small islands, and spectacular views.

Many of the cays you pass by are privately owned, so enjoy a glimpse of large mansions and pristine private beaches.

Johnny Depp bought his own Exuma island after filming Pirates of the Caribbean and falling in love with it. My massage appointment was postponed because he kept our mutual massage therapist for a longer appointment on his private island!

Yep, we were one degree of separation from many famous stars including Michael Jordan, Pooh Bear, Paris Hilton, and Johnny Depp.

Embrace Resort can help you organize a massage from Khori at Illusions by the Sea – it was fantastic.

Our Experience Swimming with Pigs on Pig Island

Before going on this swimming with pigs tour on Pig Beach, Kalyra was adamant she was not swimming with the pigs as they are filthy – despite my protests that they were actually very clean animals.

But as soon as we arrived, and she saw those pigs swimming out to meet us, she was hooked and jumped straight in the water to spend time with them. She even cuddled and fed a piglet milk – given to her by one of the attendants.

This is why we value wildlife encounters – they can help us see the real beauty in animals and so do better to help protect them.

It’s about observing and genuinely connecting with the animals in a safe and loving way.

We couldn’t believe our luck when we arrived at an empty beach and had the experience with those pigs rising from their shady resting spot and swimming out to our boat. One even tried to climb into our boat.

We had a couple of minutes to enjoy their immense presence and funny behavior as they came for their food, remembering to put both hands in the air and say, “No food,” when they came near us wanting to eat.

And like well-trained piggies, they’d quietly swim away until they found the food they were looking for. I left the feeding to the experts, content to just watch and giggle at them.

I was surprised at how big many of the pigs were and what great swimmers they were. It can be unnerving when you see them come towards you, especially if their mouths are open.

If you follow the instructions, they will not hurt you. Don’t scream or run, just put your hands up and say “no food.”

While I saw most people behaving okay, I did see a few not thinking about the pigs enough, like the girl so focused on getting the perfect pig selfie she refused to listen to the PIGLET’S distressed squeals and put it down for about 20-minutes!

Or the woman screaming at the pig to ‘Go away, Go Away’ while wildly waving her hands around… with a carrot in it. Or the people trying to feed the piglets carrots when instructed not to! And – this was funnier – the young male telling the pig to “Sit. Sit” like it was a dog.

“I’ll show you sit,” said the piggy leaping at him with teeth bared to snatch the carrot he was dangling above its head. He kind of squealed, threw the carrot, and ran!

Generally, if anyone gets bitten, it’s because they have made choices like this. I was grateful for the preparation we had from Captain Dave before getting in the water with them.

If you care about the pigs and follow the instructions, you will have a wonderful time “swimming” with them. You’re not really swimming with them – more like wading in waist deep water – although if you are fortunate to get there without other boats you could swim with them.

One of the pigs pooped in the water near us, but you can easily avoid it. It’s all part of the tour!

Quite a few boats soon came in (the large speed boats from Nassau with lots of people), which made the experience feel a little more chaotic and crowded. This would be the value of a private tour as you’d be better able to avoid the crowds.

We researched the swimming with pig tour carefully before doing it, noting some eco-warrior and animal-lover friends of ours who have also done it.

The pigs are very well looked after, extremely well-fed, and get regular veterinarian checks. They have a committee of locals who work to keep them protected and on-site caretakers. They even get coconut oil rubbed on them to help with sun exposure.

As they are fed regularly by tourists who come to see them (healthy food pigs can eat) they pose no threat to the local wildlife as otherwise feral pigs would.

Other stops on the Swimming with Pigs Bahamas Tour

I mentioned earlier that it’s not worth doing a tour all the way from Nassau on a speed boat only to swim with pigs. We loved our tour with 3N’s Exuma Vacations because we got to see other gems in the Bahamas too and spend a good amount of time there!

Here are some other stops on the swimming with pigs boat tours.

Visiting The Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay

Our first stop on the tour was Bitter Guana Cay to visit the native iguanas basking in the sun on the beach. Iguana Island is home to the only remaining endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas in the world. 

While they have no natural predators on the island, the iguanas on Bitter Guana Cay are endangered – their biggest threat being humans. Although illegal, the iguanas are often hunted for human consumption. 

We were so enamored by the few that greeted us as we jumped off the boat that I failed to notice the scores of iguanas further behind on rocks and camouflaged by the shrub-like environment.

Their lovely brown-ish pink bodies quickly waddled down to the shore, checking us out with curious, red-rimmed eyes. 

As instructed, we kept our distance from the iguanas as we said G’day, snapped photos, and took in the beauty of their pristine environment.

DO NOT feed the iguanas. It’s illegal to do so and just not good for them. They’re okay with you visiting, but if you’re a human behaving badly, don’t be surprised if they hurt you.

This was our first look at the stunning beaches that are in abundance on the islands of the Exuma – glistening white sand, and shallow clear turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

Video: Iguana Island

Swimming with Sharks at Compass Cay

This was another, “No way, I’m not doing that” wildlife experience our daughters protested about. To be honest, I didn’t think I would swim with sharks either.

Like many Gen X kids, I’ve feared sharks since watching Jaws as a young child. They’ve always been a frightening enemy intent on only one thing – eating humans.

So, this up-close encounter helped us to see that this is not an accurate portrayal. In fact, we all commented on how much they reminded us of our precious kittens – gently swimming past and kind of rubbing at your leg with their tails, hoping to be fed.

But unlike kittens, they’re as rough as sandpaper, but still beautiful to touch as they swim by.

Again, strict instructions told us how to safely interact with them, with warnings to keep our fingers out of the water lest we wanted them to be mistaken for fish food and bitten. These are docile nurse sharks with tiny teeth (that can still do some damage).

The attendants show you how to carefully pet the sharks and also hold them if you like. This does not hurt the sharks and they are carefully monitored by attendants, but we chose not to hold them just in case.

As it was low tide, we were mostly wading through the water as they swam around us. I was shocked that I did not feel any fear at all. It was a wonderful experience.

How did these sharks get here? 

They were initially brought as pets, however, after gaining popularity through tourism, the Compass Cay Marina has turned the environment into a sanctuary for dozens of nurse sharks in the area.

Compass Cay Marina has one of the rare totally protected harbors in the Exumas. It’s a haven for boats, particularly big yachts. Keep an eye out as Michael Jordan was near here only a few days before us. 

Note: If you stay on Staniel Cay, you can also see a lot of nurse sharks around the Yacht Club marina. They feed off the scraps the fishermen throw in after cleaning their fish.

Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto

Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto was my favorite part of the Swimming with Pigs tour. Not all tours go here, especially those coming in from Nassau by boat for the day tours.

I was not expecting the beauty that lay under the water. The grotto was teeming with small striped Sergeant majors, yellow tail snappers, and angel fish swimming around us, and bright-colored coral on the seafloor and rock walls.

With the light coming through the cave from holes above and below under the water there were varying hues of blue underwater as well.

A rope guides you through the small tunnels into the grotto where you can snorkel. We snorkeled at many places around the world, so I was surprised to see how pristine it was here.

The timing here is important as it’s best to enter the grotto at low tide.

Thunderball Grotto is located just off Staniel Cay and is named after the James Bond movie, Thunderball, which was filmed here. Splash and Into the Blue also had scenes filmed here.

Pipe Creek Sandbar

My other favorite part of the Swimming with Pigs tour was our stop at Pipe Creek Sandbar.

I have not seen a place as beautiful since Whitehaven Beach in Queensland. With its swirling colors of white sand and 50 shades of blue, it was very similar to this protected and remote area of Australia that, like Pipe Creek, is only accessible by boat.

Many people come here to get married. I would love to return with a picnic, a good book, and oodles of time to sit with the view.

Pipe Creek is said to be one of the most spectacular sandbars in the Exumas, possibly The Bahamas. You need low tide and a small boat to access it.

On this stop, you get to walk around, swim, and enjoy the heavenly views. 

Seeing the Sunken Plane Wreck

Our last stop was to see a sunken plane that crashed in the shallow waters here in the 70s. It was a drug smuggler’s plane that belonged to Pablo Escobar and the Colombian Cartel.

Legend has it the two pilots could not escape the sunken plane because it was packed too tightly with marijuana and so died by drowning.

It is one of the most accessible underwater plane shipwrecks in the entire world and is visible from above water. We didn’t stop for snorkeling, but I believe you can.

The girls were a little freaked out when seeing this considering the small plane flight to and from Staniel Cay, which they were nervous about! But I’m happy to report they loved the return flight to Nassau.

Lunch at The Flying Pig Café

If you are doing the Swimming with Pigs tour with 3N’s Exuma Vacations, you will end with lunch at the Flying Pig Café located in the Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay.

We ate at the Flying Pig every day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – during our four-night stay and loved the freshness of the food. 

Lunch is included in the tour and you pre-order. Options include:

1. Greek Salad
2. Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
3. Wings with fries
4. Fish Sandwich
5. Chicken, Bacon Melt

Our daughter loved the chicken bacon melt and ordered it multiple times. She said it was the best she’s had. The wings were delicious – we loved the sweet guava sauce, and the fish sandwich and Greek salad were fresh and yummy.

As this is peak time at the café, expect a wait for your food. Sit in the sun – or at shaded tables – order a rum punch and enjoy relaxing into Bahama time.

If you are on a day trip from Nassau, someone will walk you over to the airport when it’s time for your flight to leave. If you’re staying here, enjoy relaxing at the resort or any of Staniel Cay’s beautiful beaches.

Where To Stay in Staniel Cay: Embrace Resort

If you are staying in Staniel Cay for the Swimming with Pigs tour, instead of flying in from Nassau for the day, one of the best places to stay on Staniel Cay is Embrace Resort.

Its affordable luxury with one to three bedrooms, and fully furnished villas, some of which come with self-contained kitchens.

We loved the relaxed, tropical vibe, friendly service, and the extra amenities that included the onsite cafe, swimming pool, and golf car rentals to help you get around the small island. 

Read our full review of the Embrace Resort and Flying Pig Cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming with Pigs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about swimming with pigs Bahamas…

Video: Reasons to love the Exuma Islands

Final Thoughts on Swimming with Pigs Bahamas  

So, there you have it, this is everything you need to know about swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. 

If you choose the right your, you will have a wonderful experience with the wildlife and be wowed by the spectacular beauty of this area. We have not been this impressed by beaches since we left our home country, six years ago.

We had a blast on this tour. It was our favorite part of our Staniel Cay vacation, and we have memories to last a lifetime.

To really take this experience to the next level, we do recommend staying longer in the Exuma Islands. Stay connected as we have more Exuma travel posts to come.

Don’t forget travel insurance, as you just never know when you may need it.

We hope this guide helped you to decide whether it’s the right Bahamas attraction for you and helped you get an idea of what to expect!

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!

With its close proximity to Florida, it’s an exotic island getaway at your doorstep.

Atlantis Resort in The Bahamas brings to life the myth and legend of the lost city of Atlantis – a utopian civilization of happy and spiritually advanced people.

Combine that with the name Paradise Island, and you can rest assured, you have a blissful experience ahead.

We’re happy to kick start the year with our first destination idea – The Bahamas – an easy and idyllic vacation any time of the year in the Caribbean.

Not only does Atlantis, Paradise Island offer natural beauty, but the resort has immersive programming that connects you to the history, art, people, food, festivities and marine life of The Bahamas.

It’s mission is to show you Bahamas at Heart.

Best Deals for Atlantis, Paradise Island, for Travel

Firstly, let’s mention the current offer to begin your 2023

No need to delay on your New Years Resolution for more fun and quality time with those you love. Go check out that current offer and all the special deals for Atlantis!

Where is Atlantis in the Bahamas?

Paradise Island is a small part of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas. It’s located north of the eastern half of New Providence Island, which is 184 miles, or a 50 minute flight from South Florida.

You could even sneak away just for the weekend, but we recommend staying longer for your Bahamas vacation.

Atlantis, Paradise Island spans across 171-acres on Paradise Island. This oceanfront property is surrounded by beaches, lagoons and harbors.

Is Atlantis Kid Friendly?

Atlantis, Paradise Island is the perfect Bahamas family vacation destination for kids of all ages.

It’s not only kid-friendly but parent friendly, meaning it provides a healthy balance of what both parents and kids need from a vacation: time together AND time apart.

Parents can relax knowing their kids are well taken care of and have plenty of things to do to suit their interests, curiosities and sense of adventure.

Attractions such as a kids-only nightclub, themed adventure play rooms, and an ‘underwater’ video arcade and movie theatre keeps older kids busy all day long.

Keep reading as we share many Atlantis attractions that make this a wonderful family Bahamas vacation.

Best Things To Do In Atlantis Bahamas

Atlantis, Paradise Island Bahamas is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination on its own with plenty of things to do to entertain and delight nearly every type of traveler.

Here are some of the biggest Atlantis Resort attractions that make your family vacation the best:

• 141-acre Aquaventure Water Park with water slides, river rides, pools and beaches
• The world’s largest open-air marine habitat
• Water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and scuba
• Yoga and Pilates
• A Fully equipped fitness center and tennis courts
• World class spa

• Marina Village has entertainment, shopping and dining by some of the most beautiful yachts in the world.
• Entertainment and Nightlife including complimentary movie theaters, comedy nights, nightclubs and special events
• 18-hole golf course
• 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges
• A world-class casino

Let’s go into detail about some of these amazing things to do at the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island Bahamas.

Aquaventure Waterscape

The centerpiece of Atlantis Paradise Island is Aquaventure water park, a 141-acre theme park outfitted with rides, thrilling slides, 11 swimming pools and 5 miles of pristine white sand beaches.

It has a lush, tropical environment that offers a perfect vacation mix of fun and adventure and rest and tranquility.

All guests have FREE access to the Atlantis Bahamas Water Park.

Here are some of the waterslides at Aquaventure:

• Leap of Faith – The legendary water slide that plunges your fear-tightened body straight down almost vertically from the top of the Mayan temple into a pool of sharks. A 3 second fall that feels like eternity, and so fast you’ll only glimpse the sharks.
• Challenger Slide – Race your loved one down the twin high-speed slide of the Mayan Temple.
• Abyss – This 50-ft., near-vertical drop takes you 200 feet through the dark Power Tower into a cenote grotto at the bottom of the Abyss
• The Serpent Slide – encompasses to love about the Atlantis slides: a protective inner tube, mini-tsunamis that push you along, and sharks behind very strong glass. This one is slow enough to see the sharks!
• The Current – A mile long river that takes you through underground caverns, a temple that spouts mini-tsunamis at you, crazy rapids and right into the Power Tower for your choice of water slides.

Decide which waterslide is your favorite and let us know in the comments. The Abyss sounds great to me! And when you need a break from the thrill of the rides, head to the swimming pool of your choice for more water fun and relaxation.

Atlantis Resort Swimming Areas

Atlantis Swimming Pools

Atlantis, Paradise Island has a pool to suit all travel styles and desires. You could pool hop all day and still not experience all 20 swimming areas, 11 of which are pools.

Some of the hotel accommodations have their own pools, which we’ll explain in the accommodation section below.

Don’t worry the kids will not miss out. Three of them are designed especially with kids in mind.

My picks:

• For Ultimate Relaxation – The Grotto Pool, complete with two cascading waterfalls, a secluded setting and preferred seating.
• For the Kids – Splashers is an elaborate Mayan-themed kids pool and water playground with tube slides, water cannons, and rope bridges for climbing.

5 Miles of White Sandy Beaches

There are three inviting beaches available to guests of Atlantis, each with its allure and charm, but all with the azure waters and shining white sand you HOPE you’ll have on a family vacation.

• Atlantis Beach is located in the heart of Atlantis Resort and is available to all resort guests. It’s close to The Beach, The Coral and The Royal.
• Paradise Beach is available for guests of The Cove and The Reef. One look at that sand and turquoise waters will have you booking your stay at one of these sanctuaries.
• Cove Beach is another more secluded and tranquil beach experience available for guests of The Cove.

Open Air Marine Habitat

Atlantis Paradise Island is home to one of the world’s largest open-air marine habitats encompassing 14 lagoons, eight million gallons of ocean water and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species.

Atlantis is committed to the sustainability, revitalization and education about the marine life in Bahamas.

Here is a little of Atlantis Paradise Island’s marine habitat success:

• One of only two aquariums in the Western Hemisphere to successfully care for and study manta rays. They have successfully released and tracked eight manta rays into the ocean as part of its research and release program. They are currently studying Coco – a female manta who lives in their Ruins Lagoon.
• Had the first ever Caribbean Reef shark and Black Nose shark born in a man-made environment.

• The only marine facility in the world to have had successful reproduction and birth of the small tooth sawfish.
• Atlantis Blue Project Foundation derives its funding from a portion of the proceeds from all marine interactions on the property. This non-profit creates and promotes solutions for a wide range of marine conservation challenges from coral degradation to species decline.

Guests can interact and engage with the marine life through various activities such as snorkeling the underground ruins of Atlantis, walking with sharks, scuba diving,  joining excursions to nearby islands on charter boats.

Dolphin Cay

You’ll love the story of how Dolphin Cay began.

It was opened in response to provide a safe haven for 17 stranded dolphins and a group of sea lions whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

They have a state-of-the-art education center where you can learn about and play with the dolphins and seals in both shallow and deeper water, on behind-the-scenes tours, and opportunities to paddleboard and kayak among the animals.

It’s listed in our post of top things to do in the Bahamas.

Atlantis Kids Adventures

We travel with our families to escape the chaos of a life of normalcy. But, it’s a chaos that only diminishes for parents. Even when on a relaxing break they still have so much to take care of.

That’s why vacations in places like Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas are good for parents. So much is taken care of that they do have more a chance to unwind.

With a kids club program (Atlantis Kids Adventures) as exciting as Atlantis, it gives them an even greater chance to simply collapse uninterrupted.

Perhaps lie on the beach and read a book, or have a quiet fancy dinner together.

Because you know fancy and kids don’t always go so well.

Atlantis Kids Adventures is for resort guests ages 3 to 12. They are invited to choose their own adventure within themed spaces designed specifically for children’s Atlantis imagination and enjoyment.

Adventure Guides (staff) are ready to help with culinary lessons, interactive electronic art, theater, outdoor play – and more.

The kids may not even want to come back.

(There is also a babysitter service available at the resort)

Dining at the Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

With 21 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges offering everything from fine dining to quick serve, you are adequately covered.

You will also find plenty of Bahamian flavors throughout the menus.

The following new restaurants at the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas have authentic Bahamian dishes created in collaboration with local chefs and entrepreneurs:

• Sun & Ice by Chef Wayne Moncur
• Frankie Gone Bananas
• McKenzie’s Fresh Conch
• Pirate Republic Brewery

The resort offers two dining plans for your meals during your stay. You can find more information on them here.

Kid Friendly Dining

• Poseidon’s Table – Casual Dining with Live Cooking Stations
• Carmine’s – Casual Family Style Italian Dining

The following venues have Age Restrictions

• Nobu – Gourmet Japanese Cuisine (children under 6 can be seated at 5:30 & 6pm only)
• Cafe Martinique – Gourmet Epicurean French Delights (6 and up)
• Casa D’Angelo – Gourmet Tuscan Meets Bahamian Fares (children under 6 can be seated at 5:30, 5:45 and 6pm only)

Accommodations at Atlantis: Which is Best for Me?

Atlantis has five main accommodation sections, each with its own distinct feel to suit a particular vacation style.

The Beach: Value Minded Accommodation

Located at the end of the resort complex, with a short walk to get to the main hub area, The Beach at Atlantis is for the budget minded traveler seeking a casual and tropical Bahamas vacation close to the beach.

You’ll have easy access to Atlantis Beach, a lazy river, and large pool.

The Beach sees far fewer crowds and shuttle service is available to the main Atlantis features.

The spacious lobby is nearly always peaceful, and there’s a contemporary buffet restaurant, pottery painting, and build-a-bear workshops available as well.

The Coral: Family Friendly Accommodation

The Coral at Atlantis Bahamas is a bit closer to the action with easy access to Marina Village and Atlantis Beach.

In 2017 the Coral was renovated with refreshed rooms and suites, a new lobby lounge, a Bahamian-infused ice cream and gelato experience, Kids Concierge and a pool with swim-up bar, private cabanas and family friendly water activities.

Families will love a vacation at The Coral. It’s for travelers seeking easy access to amenities, but a slice of quiet paradise to escape to after they have had their fun.

The Royal: Majestic and Iconic Accommodation

The Royal at Atlantis Bahamas is the iconic tower featuring the famous Bridge Suite.

This is where you’ll find the inspiring mythology of the Lost City of Atlantis through the artwork and experiences at the Dig.

Centrally located, guests have easy access to a bustling casino, shopping, and most of the resort’s attractions, including the aquarium and water parks, luxury spa and Nobu restaurant.

Contemporary rooms are larger than rooms at the Beach and Coral Towers. The Royal will be renovated this year.

A stay at The Royal at Atlantis is for the vacationers who want to be at the center of it all and have the iconic Atlantis Resort experience.

Book here now! 

Residential Reef: Luxurious Apartment Style Accommodation

This modern, luxurious condo-hotel tower, offers newly renovated residential-style units on the far edge of the resort grounds.

Big studios, one and two-bedrooms units are well-suited to families, and have pull-out sofas and fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes.

Although pricier, guests can save money here by cooking their own meals rather than dining out at the resorts.

The Reef is away from the bustling side of the resort with its own beach and a large family pool exclusive to Reef and Cove guests

A stay at The Reef Atlantis Bahamas is for those looking for a quieter more upmarket stay with access to self-sufficient amenities.

The Cove: Ultra-Luxurious Accommodation

Like the Reef, The Cove at Atlantis is your own mini-sanctuary that exudes a Bahamian warm heart.

Suites here have the feel of a trendy Upper West Side Manhattan apartment – only here you have ocean views!

The Cove shares a separate beach and large family pool with the neighboring Reef Tower, but Cove guests have exclusive access to the adults-only Cove Pool – a colorful oasis where Bahamian art and culture seamlessly intertwine.

A stay at The Cove is for the Jet-Setters, fashionistas and higher end travelers.

Special Deals

Now you have learned more about the all encompassing destination that is Atlantis Paradise Island, it’s time to choose your accommodation style and snag any special Atlantis Bahamas deals on offering to kick off the New Year!

Book Here Now!

Enjoy your Bahamas vacation. We hope to see you there soon. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

Day Trip: Swimming with Pigs in the Exuma Islands

One of the most popular attractions for guests at the Atlantis Resort is to take a day trip out to the Exuma Islands to enjoy the Swimming with Pigs tour.

You think the beaches at Atlantis are good, wait to see you see the Exuma Beaches. They are some of the most pristine I have seen in the world and many of them will be free of people.

Your day will start with a stunning 30-minute scenic flight to Staniel Cay. From there you’ll join a four-hour boat tour where you’ll swim with pigs, visit Bahamian Rock Iguanas on the beach of Bitter Guana Cay, swim with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, snorkel in a (movie-famous) grotto, and step onto one of the most beautiful sandbars in the world.

The best way to see them is to join a swimming with pigs’ tour with 3 N’s Exuma Vacations, which has the number 1 ranked tour on TripAdvisor and offers a premium four-hour tour with small group sizes.

It has seven stops as well as Pig Beach, and includes drinks (even local Bahamian beer, Kalik), snacks, snorkel gear, beach towels, and entrance fees and taxes. They also offer private tours.

Related Post – Swimming with the pigs in Exuma Islands Why not spend a few extra nights there at the Embrace Resort, on Staniel Cay. It’s paradise! Here are more things you can do on Staniel Cay.

Popular Tours and Attractions near Atlantis Resort

While staying at the Atlantis Resort om Nassau, consider these best-rated tours and attractions.

Pin Below To Save On Pinterest:

Island hopping throughout this glorious landscape is one of the best things to do in the Bahamas, as you get a comprehensive look at the incredible beauty that the islands have to offer.

From the historic streets of Nassau to the untouched bays of the Out Islands, the accessibility of a Bahamas Vacation is unparalleled.

When it comes to tropical destinations, nothing can compare to a Bahamas vacation.

Facts about the Bahamas

Located in the Caribbean, the Bahamas is that it’s a collection of islands that boasts immense beauty.

Nassau Bahamas is the capital and can be found on New Providence Island, providing fantastic accommodation and a range of activities in which to take part.

While a trip to Nassau Bahamas is an essential part of any getaway to the Bahamas, you will find that the true beauty of the country can be found in the Out Islands – a string of pristine, untouched islands that display a staggering natural beauty.

With over 700 islands to explore throughout the country, Nassau serves as an excellent base from which to explore all the amazing things to do in the Bahamas.

One of the best facts about the Bahamas is that each island has its own personality, with a unique range of activities and sights, you will never be at a loss for what to do.

With a vibrant culture, delicious dishes, exotic wildlife, and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, a Bahamas family vacation has something for every member of the family.

I travel around the world as an Airline Pilot and not only do I fly the big jets, but I have a passion for flying small planes too.

For my epic journey across the Bahamas Islands, I rented a plane and teamed up with another professional pilot to island hop the Bahamas Out Islands.

But you certainly don’t have to be a pilot or have your own aircraft to island hop the Bahamas by plane. Small scheduled airlines fly throughout the Bahamas Islands and there are now operators providing Island Hopping Tours.

7 Things to Do in the Bahamas

1. Family Fun in Nassau

When it comes to family vacations in the Caribbean, there are few places that compare to Nassau Bahamas.

The range of excellent accommodation, exciting attractions, and family-oriented activities are seemingly endless.

Your Bahamas vacation will give your family unforgettable memories and a range of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, with something for everyone.

The city of Nassau can be found on New Providence Island near the northern end of the archipelago.

Not only is its location convenient for anyone taking a trip to the Bahamas from Florida, since it’s only an hour’s flight away, but it also serves as an excellent tourist hub for the surrounding islands.

Best Places to Stay in the Bahamas

Paradise Island Bahamas has some of the world’s most renowned resorts, all of which cater to families.

The Atlantis in the Bahamas is by far the largest and most popular, with magnificent buildings, and transcendent amenities, your entire family will be spoiled for choice.

Whether you want to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cay, visit the fantastic Aquaventure water park or relax on a private beach, Atlantis Resort is for you!

When it comes to a Nassau Bahamas vacation, there is no better place to stay than here! Book your Atlantis Resort stay here.

With Paradise Island as your base, you can go out and explore the city of Nassau.

There are several things to do in Nassau Bahamas, with activities for historians, sportsmen, foodies and wildlife enthusiasts.

Before your family groans about a historical tour of Nassau though, be sure to let everyone know about the significant presence of pirates in the 18th century.

Edward Teach, the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard, controlled Nassau in the 1700’s along with his band of pirate brothers known as the Privateers Republic.

These stories, along with the fascinating relics of Columbus’s first arrival will keep your whole family entertained.

New Providence Island

A trip to the Bahamas would be meaningless without some time spent on the world-renowned beaches. Fortunately for all who visit Nassau Bahamas, New Providence Island has some of the best beaches in the Bahamas.

With crisp, white sand, and the mesmerizing turquoise water, you and your family can enjoy a range of exciting activities in this stunning setting.

Whether you’re looking to inject adrenaline into your system by para sailing above the ocean, surf to your heart’s content or simply soak up the sun’s rays, Nassau will cater to you.

Nassau is undoubtedly the most-visited island in the Bahamas, and for good reason.

Spectacular beaches, transcendent resorts, fantastic activities and one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cultures to immerse yourself in.

These are all things that describe a Nassau Bahamas vacation.

However, while it may be an excellent destination, Nassau’s true purpose is that it serves as a gateway to the Out Islands, where you will find the authentic Bahamian experience.

2. Island Hop the Out Islands

Within the Bahamas, there is a string of Islands that display a natural and untouched beauty unlike anywhere else in the world.

There are 700 islands in the Out Islands which collectively account for 84% of the Bahamas’ land mass. Each of these islands has an entirely unique personality, with one, unmistakable theme in common: beautiful landscapes.

A trip to the Bahamas is not complete without a trip to a number of these islands.

Whether you’re visiting the famous Exuma Swimming Pigs of Staniel Cay, or the magnificent Pink Sands Beach on Harbour Island, your tour of the islands will be unforgettable.

Since there are so many Out Islands, with an endless list of things to do on each one, your choice of transport will define the kind of tour you’ll have.

Many people island hop in the Bahamas by boat or ferry, and while this can be a marvelous experience, there is nothing quite like seeing the islands from above.

The boundless vistas of the glittering ocean and gemlike islands during an air tour are unparalleled.

Island hopping in the Bahamas by plane is not only exceptionally scenic, it also saves precious time.

Every moment spent during your holidays to the Bahamas is a moment to cherish and remember. An Air Tour of the islands will allow you to make the most of your time.

On top of all of this, you and your family will be swept up by the beauty of flight, soaring through the clear sky as the warm Bahamian sun soaks into the beaches beneath you.

Astronauts have described the Bahamas as “the most beautiful place on Earth viewed from space.”, and island hopping the Bahamas by plane will help you to understand why.

There is one site in particular that displays a scene of unprecedented beauty.

Schooner Cays

Schooner Cays is an area that is made up of several long sand banks and beaches. These white streaks of sand are framed by turquoise water that gradually darkens to a deep blue the further it gets from the land.

There is nothing quite like peering out the window of a small aircraft down at a beauty so pure and natural as Schooner Cays.

The Bahamas is one of the world’s most conveniently accessible archipelagos. With airstrips on most of the Out Islands, you will be able to explore each and every beautiful island to your heart’s content.

With excellent accommodation across the Out Islands, you and your family will be well catered to by the numerous resorts and hotels available.

You will also find your Bahamas family vacation to be exceptionally convenient due to the fact that the locals all speak English.

What’s more is that US Dollars is accepted throughout the Bahamas.

3. Explore the Best Beaches in the Bahamas

There is no doubt that, above all else, the Bahamas is known for its beaches.

These paradisiac stretches of sand surrounded by the world’s most stunning turquoise water draw in thousands of people from around the globe each year.

With such a range of different and unique beaches throughout the archipelago, you and your family will spend your time exploring as many beaches as you can.

The gentle sound of lapping waves on the sparkling sand blends with the picture-perfect beauty of your surroundings. A pristine and ambient setting in which to enjoy your vacation in the Bahamas.

While most travelers enjoy the perfect beauty of a white beach beside clear blue waters, the Bahamas has something even more desirable.

On both Cat Island and Harbour Island, you will find beaches with a unique, and stunning color to them.

Pink Sands Beach

Pink Sands Beach is one of the world’s most famous beaches and it’s one of the best things to do in the Bahamas.

The shells of thousands of microscopic mollusks are mixed with the white sand granules. As the water washes over these shells, they emit a vibrant red hue, that when mixed with the white of the sand, creates an impressive pink beach.

A visit to Pink Sands Beach should absolutely be a part of your Bahamas itinerary.

Like many other beaches in the Bahamas, Pink Sands Beach offers you the chance to ride along the coastline on horseback. This exciting activity is great for families and will allow you all to experience Pink Sands Beach in true Bahamian style.

Due to the immense number of beaches worth visiting in the Bahamas, there are several which rarely have visitors.

What this means for your family’s Bahamas vacation is that if you know where to look, you can enjoy an entire beach all to yourself.

Both Long Island and Cat Island will give you the chance to explore completely deserted beaches.

Though it may have a very small population, and not many visitors, Cat Island is actually the largest island in the Bahamas meaning that you’ll have vast stretches of beach all to yourself.

Nassau Bahamas may host some truly stunning beaches, but few of them are able to compete with the splendor of the Out Islands.

Pink Sands Beach has become a world-renowned beauty. Not only does it have uniquely pink sand, but it’s also complimented by the glorious water and overflowing flower beds that fringe the sand with a magnificent array of colors.

Whether you’ve set your sights on Pink Sands Beach, or one of the many other spectacular beaches in this archipelago, your vacation in the Bahamas will ensure a fantastic time is had by you and your family.

4. Swim with the Dolphins at Dolphin Cay

The wildlife of the Bahamas is just as impressive as the scenery.

You will find a range of thriving life both on the islands and beneath the water’s surface.

A visit to Nassau Bahamas will grant you the opportunity of swimming with dolphins, which is one of the best family friendly things to do in the Bahamas. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be enjoyed at the fantastic Dolphin Cay.

It is perfect for families because the water is shallow, the dolphins are calm and there are guides present to provide you with a wealth of great information about these dolphins.

When you think of wildlife in the Bahamas, the first thought that comes to mind is marine life.

Hundreds of different fish species swim through these waters, accompanied by sharks, dolphins and magnificent sea turtles.

To view a sea turtle first-hand is a truly extraordinary experience. There is such grace and elegance to the way that they glide through the water, and there is no better place to experience this than here in the Bahamas.

Snorkeling is another of the fantastic activities in the Bahamas for you and your family, not only will you be enjoying the sun and the ocean, but you will have a window into an underwater wonderland.

5. Swimming with Exuma Pigs

While the sea creatures are fascinating, there is a rather unlikely animal that can be found in these waters.

Near the island of Staniel Cay, you will find one of the most famous Bahamas attractions – the Exuma Swimming Pigs.

Some say the pigs were left on this island by sailors many years ago as a reserve source of food, while others suggest that there may have been pigs aboard a ship that sank in the area.

Whatever their origin, a visit to the swimming pigs has become the most sought after tour in the world, and for good reason.

This is one of the coolest things to do in the Bahamas – there is nothing quite like looking over the edge of your speedboat to see dozens of pigs paddling through the water beside you.

You and your family will even have the chance to interact with them if you bring some food.

Read our guide to swimming with pigs and Book your tour here.

We also recommend staying a while in the Exumas. Staniel Cay is a great base, and we loved our stay at the Embrace Resort.

Video: Swimming with Pigs

Bitter Guana Cay

A visit to Bitter Guana Cay will provide you with sights of one of the Caribbean’s most prehistoric looking beasts. The Bahamian Rock Iguana can be found on the shores of Bitter Guana Cay, warming itself in the sun.

Since these reptiles have no natural predators, they are not nervous of visitors. What this means for you and your family is that you will have the chance to take some truly memorable pictures of the Iguanas.

A Bahamas vacation would be incomplete without some time spent enjoying the marvelous wildlife.

Dolphin Cay is not the only place to get up close to such beautiful marine animals. A visit to Compass Cay will provide you and your family with the opportunity to share the water with Nurse Sharks.

As for family activities in the Bahamas, this safe, yet thrilling activity is an excellent way to experience incredible wildlife.

Video: Iguana Island

Baha Mar

During your vacation to the Bahamas, you will undoubtedly come across a number of historical sites.

Nassau Bahamas is home to a number of fascinating museums, relics, and monuments that tell the story of the Bahamas of the past.

Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Bahamas in the late 15th century on his journey to discover the new world. Though his time spent here was more than 500 years ago, his influence on the country was immense.

Naming the archipelago “Baha Mar” the Spanish words for “shallow water” Columbus gave birth to the name “Bahamas”.

6. Learn About Pirate and Slave History

It wasn’t long after colonials established the towns and cities of the Bahamas that Pirates set their sights on the land.

The location made it the most desirable to control. Naturally, this is where Blackbeard and his Privateers Republic focused their attention, taking the land in the early 18th century.

This arrangement didn’t last long though, and the land was reclaimed within a few years.

Nassau is full of pirate-related attractions, with fascinating museums packed with exciting objects from the age of pirates.

One of the most interesting things to do in the Bahamas is visiting these museums as a family, with parents and their kids both being able to enjoy the attractions and displays.

Just like many other destinations in the Caribbean, the Bahamas was involved in the slave trade. West African slaves were brought to these shores to work in plantations.

Remnants of the plantation buildings can still be found on select islands throughout the Bahamas.

Cat Island is one of the very best places to view these ruins. Having had one of the highest population of slaves, Cat Island’s dark past is inescapable during your visit.

Dunmore Town on Harbour Island has an entirely different window into yesteryear. The well-preserved colonial buildings line the quiet lanes of Dunmore Town

The well-preserved colonial buildings line the quiet lanes of Dunmore Town and are still very much in use.

This is one of the best places to visit in the Bahamas to travel back in time and appreciate what these islands were built on. Though there is this dark past, a wonderful and rich culture has since emerged.

The annual Junkanoo festival displays the vibrancy of the Bahamian culture with dance, music, food, and celebration, all while commemorating the hardships of the slaves.

Visiting a fish fry during your stay is an absolute necessity. You will be given the chance to choose from a range of dishes, many of which include the Bahamian cuisine known as conch.

Washing this seafood down with a rum tasting or a local Kalik beer is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture.

7. Island Hopping in the Bahamas by Plane

The world is full of incredible destinations, but few are able to compare to the grandeur of the Bahamas.

To really enjoy your Bahamas family vacation, treat yourselves to an experience that you will never forget.

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Nassau Bahamas or discovering Pink Sands Beach in the Out Islands, you will find yourself marveling at the beauty of this destination.

If you feel the wanderlust growing inside you, and you’re looking for more information on what to do in the Bahamas, be sure to have a look at our Bahamas Travel Guide.

There is no better way to experience the Bahamas than on a Bahamas Air Tour. The sense of freedom combined with the outstanding views is enough to make anyone fall in love with island hopping this way.

Most people explore the islands in the Bahamas from the ground and water, but to see the string of Out Islands leading off into the distance from a bird’s eye view is an experience like no other.

Your Bahamas vacation will be enhanced immensely, and your family will undoubtedly thank you.

Video: Reasons to Love Exuma Islands

Popular Tours and Attractions in the Bahamas

While in the Bahamas, consider these best-rated tours and attractions.

Pin this to Share on Pinterest:

About the Author

Mark is an Airline Pilot who is on a mission to inspire and inform you about his two passions; Flying and Travel. Having travelled across all 7 continents, he is here to help you travel the world with inspiring destinations and expert flying and travel tips. Planning at trip to Bahamas? Read my informative Bahamas Guide

Follow Mark on Social @flyingandtravel
Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter.