One of our favorite anchorages in the Bahamas is just off Pig Beach at Big Majors Spot adjacent to Staniel Cay, Exumas. Big Majors is known for its swimming pigs – one of those sights that we just had to see to believe.

We are talking about domestic pigs, dumped on a little Island to fend for themselves. Quickly recognizing that there was a living to be made in the tourist trade, the pigs swim out to approaching dinghies to pose for pictures and beg for food.

We had a long discussion with the boat cats about self-sufficiency and proposed that we find them their own island - neither jumped at the offer.

We’ve seen as many as half-dozen pigs – the cast of characters changes from time to time – piglets are born and elders move on (more on that in a bit). There are all sorts of rumors about how the pigs got to their own private beach. Some say they were dumped overboard during a storm; others that they were abandoned by a farmer; we favor the theory that the locals on Staniel Cay leave them over there to get fattened by the cruisers and tourists.

The oinkers are clearly at ease with humans and have come to equate the sound of a dinghy motor with food. As soon as you approach the beach, they start waddling toward the water. And if you toss a few tidbits in their direction, they will paddle out toward you. We were cautioned to not let the pigs get too close; as they try to climb into the boat with you and have been known to puncture dinghies with their little toenails.

The inhabitants of pig beach are a big hit with tourists, cruisers and other children. There are also a big hit on the menu for celebrations at nearby Staniel Cay.

Our favorite dark brown porker was a guest of honor on the buffet table at the memorial for Captain Gray. Rolly Gray, captain of the legendary racing sailboat, “Tida Wave” passed away last year.

By the way (Boat cats, Tippy and Blazey just reminded me), there are also stray cats on the Island. They have their own beach.

You will not see cats roaming the beach, begging for food, or (heaven-forbid) swimming out to your boat. They tend to lurk in the bushes and come out when it’s dark. Last time we were there, we noticed that someone had made a “Please feed the cats” sign.

So there you go – Swimming pigs in paradise – you’ve got to love it!