Pig Beach (Big Major Cay)
Big Major Cay · Swimming Pig Beach · Major Cay anchorage
24°10.56'N 76°27.18'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.8–1.0m Exuma tidal range and extreme crowding require careful positioning. At peak season (Dec–Mar) with 40+ boats, swinging room is limited — use minimal scope and set very firmly. The northern exposure requires constant weather monitoring for northers. In a norther, this anchorage must be vacated — move behind Staniel Cay or into Staniel Cay Yacht Club.
About This Anchorage
Pig Beach on Big Major Cay is one of the most famous and photographed anchorages in the entire Bahamas — and the world. The swimming pigs (feral pigs resident on the island for decades, origin unknown — possibly from shipwreck survivors) wade into the turquoise water to greet arriving dinghies. The water clarity in the Exumas is extraordinary — the white sand bottom is visible in 4–5m of water. The anchorage is on the bank side of the Exuma Cays, with the characteristic brilliant turquoise shallow water. Staniel Cay Yacht Club (excellent facilities including fuel, restaurant, bar, and wifi) is 0.8nm to the south. Thunderball Grotto (the Bond film location) is a 5-minute dinghy ride — visit at low or mid-tide for snorkelling. The anchorage is extremely popular and very crowded December–April. The 0.8–1.0m Exuma tidal range creates a noticeable depth change over the day — time the dinghy approach to the pig beach for the tide height you want.
Protected From
E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NE · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring
- Permitted in sand
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; Big Major Cay is private land — beach access may be restricted to the waterline; do not feed the pigs inappropriate food (no alcohol, no bread — it harms them); no dogs on the beach; local boat operators charge for pig feeding tours from Staniel Cay; respect other anchored vessels' swing room in crowded conditions.
Hazards
- !Extreme crowding Dec–Apr — 30–60 boats anchored; anchor drag in crowded field can cause catastrophic collisions
- !0.8–1.0m tidal range — depth changes significantly over 6 hours; recheck anchor depth after tide falls
- !Northern exposure — cold front northers (30–40kt N) require immediate evacuation; Staniel Cay Cut timing critical
- !Exuma Bank shallow draft requirement — approach from Staniel Cay only; bank shoals to 1–1.5m in places at low tide
- !The pigs can be aggressive at the dinghy — they swim out and will try to board; approach with caution and controlled feeding
Skipper's Tips
- →The pigs swim out to meet dinghies — bring small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables only; no alcohol or processed food (it harms their health)
- →Visit at low tide — the beach is larger and the pigs are more concentrated; arrive by dinghy at low to mid-tide
- →The 0.8m tidal range creates a beautiful transition in water colour over the day — the anchorage turns from turquoise to darker blue and back
- →Arrive before 10:00 to secure a good anchoring position — by noon in peak season the bay is full of day-trip powerboats from Nassau
- →Set your anchor alarm to 90m minimum — in this crowded anchorage, a drag can end careers and insurance claims; test the anchor with engine in reverse
Facilities
No facilities at Pig Beach itself. Staniel Cay Yacht Club (0.8nm S) has an excellent restaurant, bar, fuel, water, ice, and provisions. Pink Pearl restaurant also at Staniel Cay. Thunderball Bar at the Club.
Nearest provisions: Staniel Cay Yacht Club (0.8nm S) (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. Extremely popular December–March — arrive early morning for anchoring space. April–May quieter but still busy. Hurricane season June–November — vacate the Bahamas.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
The Exumas' 0.8–1.0m tidal range and extremely shallow banks make anchor alarm monitoring essential — even a small drag on the Exuma Bank can leave you aground. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors continuously through every tidal cycle.
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