Nassau

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Pig Island

Visiting the Bahamas should be fun and every trip there should create memories to cherish for years. There are tons of things to do in the Bahamas, and both individuals and families can have great experiences. The island features many food and sight-seeing experiences you shouldn't miss.

If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure and breathtaking scenery, look no further than the Bahamas. Exotic wildlife, lush forests and crystal clear blue water await you at this dream destination. Between touring underwater caverns, scuba diving around coral reefs and taking guides with locals, there is no shortage of fun to be had. The white sandy beaches will bring relaxation to the next level, and the beauty of the landscape is absolute bliss. There is no place on Earth like the Bahamas, so pack your bags and let the fun begin.
<h2>1. Soar High</h2>
Soaring high above the Caribbean, the Bahamas parasailing tour gives you the ultimate panoramic view of the island sights. The white sandy beaches, beautiful blue water, and Bahamian landscape are all visible from your perch. The crystal clear water allows you to witness the daily lives of sea turtles, tropical fish, and sharks. A parasailing tour offers a view of paradise unlike any other and is a must-do activity for any adventure.

[caption id="attachment_27185" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27185" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/941681368.jpg" alt="Aerial drone view of people enjoying water sports sea activities" width="1200" height="799" /> valio84sl / Getty Images[/caption]

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<h2>2. Nature Tours</h2>
Taking a guided nature tour is one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking landscape of the Bahamas. Along with the aquatic wildlife, the lush forests are home to a variety of tropical birds that will serenade you on your tour. The beaches are home to an array of wildlife including dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs. A visit to the Lucayan National Reserve park allows you to tour one of the most expansive cavern systems on the planet.

[caption id="attachment_27186" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27186" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/1177451102.jpg" alt="Palm branches and leaves against blu sky" width="1200" height="675" /> Kateryna Kovarzh / Getty Images[/caption]

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<h2>3. Blue Lagoon Island</h2>
The ultimate tropical beach experience awaits you on Blue Lagoon Island. This private island will give you an authentic paradise feel, with unlimited opportunity for relaxation. Visitors will enjoy relaxing on a pristine beach and swimming in the clear blue waters, indulging in tropical drinks from the beach bar and eating unforgettable, authentic Bahamas food. Blue Lagoon Island will give you an experience right out of a storybook.

[caption id="attachment_27214" align="alignnone" width="2816"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27214" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-151935610.jpg" alt="Beautiful beach and dock on Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas " width="2816" height="2112" /> LeeAnnWhite / Getty Images[/caption]

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<h2>4. Biking Tours</h2>
Taking a guided bike tour is one of the best ways to take in the scenic shoreline while learning the history of the Bahamas settlements. A leisurely journey, with narrated stops, will take you and your family through the townships, by cottages and give a view of the beautiful fauna that surrounds the islands. Take a rest by enjoying a meal at a seaside restaurant or laying in a hammock on the beach.

[caption id="attachment_27215" align="alignnone" width="3000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27215" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-172127591.jpg" alt="beach scene shows a couple cycling" width="3000" height="2243" /> THEPALMER / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Fishing</h2>
Whether you enjoy fly fishing or light tackle fishing, the Bahamas are filled with dream fishing locations. Take a guided tour with locals to find the best fishing spots or take a boat around the islands. The corals attract a large variety of tropical fish. Deep-sea fishing allows you to take in the beauty of the ocean while fishing for large game fish. Chartered boats will take you far from shore where you can fish for mackerel, marlin, mahi-mahi, and barracuda.

[caption id="attachment_27216" align="alignnone" width="2122"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27216" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-178916530.jpg" alt="Woman fishing and paddle boarding" width="2122" height="1412" /> FtLaudGirl / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Beach Bonfire</h2>
Grand Bahama Island's bonfire on the beach is the perfect way to spend an evening. With an all-you-can-eat buffet and unlimited bahama mamas, prepare to spend the night laughing and dancing to the music, or just sitting by the fire and enjoying the scenery. Enjoy round trip transportation to your hotel and live shows.

[caption id="attachment_27192" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27192" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/1125476482.jpg" alt="Bahamas bonfire" width="1200" height="800" /> AndrisBarbans / Getty Images[/caption]

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<h2>7. Safari Tour</h2>
Any visit to the Bahamas would be incomplete without a Jeep safari tour. Led by a guide, you drive into the interior of the island. Leaving the shoreline, you move into the lush forests, experiencing the vast ecosystems that encompass the tropical paradise. Drive to the Lucayan National Park to see the Lucayan caves, and then off to the Garden of the Groves to enjoy a walk through unforgettable tropical gardens.

[caption id="attachment_27191" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27191" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/11/471124702.jpg" alt="Family driving an off-road car on tropical beach with palms" width="1200" height="800" /> Nadezhda1906 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Explore Nature at Clifton Heritage Park</h2>
Setting off on exploration is a great way to make use of a day in the Bahamas. Clifton Heritage Park is a popular tourist location, home to turtles and multiple beaches including Johnston Beach, a quiet locale that's perfect for those who want to relax. This park offers historic sites, as well, and bird-watching for wildlife enthusiasts.

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<h2>9. Get Educated at the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas</h2>
Learning the history of a vacation spot can make a trip more fulfilling. There are multiple museums on the islands where guests can learn all about the Bahamas. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas is an interesting one to check out. This museum allows people to really delve into the past and see what the Bahamas have come through as time has passed. You can even see a slice of an ancient meteorite.

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<h2>10. Scuba Diving</h2>
Divers of all skill levels will enjoy the pristine waters around the Bahamas. Take a tour through an underwater dreamland filled with exotic fish and vast corals. You can visit shipwrecks off the coast of Paradise Island and Nassau, or swim with parrotfish, angelfish and mantas. You will get the chance to dive with stingrays and dolphins. If you're worried about your experience level, take the course at Stuart Learn to Dive Resort.

[caption id="attachment_27250" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-27250" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/02/GettyImages-187049076.jpg" alt="diving in the bahamas" width="2121" height="1414" /> apomares / Getty Images[/caption]

Find Your Oasis in the Bahamas

Situated on the island of New Providence and attached by a bridge to legendary Paradise Island, Nassau is brimming with tropical sun, colonial history, natural beauty and attractions that effortlessly blend all three.

Situated on the island of New Providence and attached by a bridge to legendary Paradise Island, Nassau brims with tropical sun, colonial history, and natural beauty. Beaches are close enough for bumming, but as the capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau itself is buzzing with cultural and culinary energy that begs to be explored.
<h2>1. Stingray City</h2>
Getting up close and personal with stingrays is a nature lover's dream. Sting-free Southern Rays, which frequent the warm shallow waters around New Providence Island, are especially gentle. At Stingray City, a marine park just off-shore from Nassau at Stirrup Cay, you can snorkel and swim with rays during an hour-long encounter that includes feeding and photographing them.

[caption id="attachment_34605" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/466442994.jpg" alt=" Snorkeling with rays at Stingray City, Bahamas" width="1200" height="799" /> EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. John Watling's Distillery</h2>
Bahamian rum is world-famous and has a major narrative in the islands' colonial history. At the Buena Vista Estate in historic downtown Nassau, you will find John Watling's Distillery. Home to handcrafted dark rum and other local spirits, this distillery hosts tours and tastings of its potent products. There's a gift shop and an on-site tavern for further exploration of Bahamian rum culture.

[caption id="attachment_34606" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/890886716.jpg" alt="Rum cocktails in the Bahamas." width="1200" height="800" /> Instants / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Paradise Island</h2>
Spread over 141 sprawling acres, Aquaventure Water Park is part of the world-famous Atlantis hospitality complex, which also features a 5-star hotel, a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole golf course and casino. Some of Aquaventure's must-rides include a mile-long lazy river complete with rapids and wave surges, and the park's trademark Mayan-themed water slide. Private cabanas and 5 miles of white sand beaches make this the ultimate aquatic playground.

[caption id="attachment_34607" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/484470147.jpg" alt=" Tropical lagoon at Atlantis Aquaventure in the Bahamas." width="1200" height="776" /> cristianl / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Pirates of Nassau Museum</h2>
Cheesy in the way only pirate culture can be, the immersive exhibits at the Pirates of Nassau Museum are housed within a replica pirate ship circa 1716. Located in historic downtown Nassau, the museum is a great introduction to the history of piracy in the Caribbean, Jack Sparrow notwithstanding. Real pirates such as Blackbeard and Charles Vane are the stuff of regional legend, but lesser-known female buccaneers Anne Bonny and Mary Read also get a hearing.

[caption id="attachment_34608" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/92466942.jpg" alt="Pirate culture lives on at Nassau's Pirate Museum." width="1200" height="947" /> stevegeer / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. National Art Gallery of the Bahamas</h2>
Housed in a restored 1860s colonial mansion called Villa Doyle, the National Art Gallery features Bahamian artists such as abstract expressionist Kendall Hanna and collagist John Cox. While mass-produced art is for sale on every street corner and beach around Nassau, at the National Gallery contemporary art sits comfortably beside traditionally executed paintings of Bahamian life.

[caption id="attachment_34609" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/144326498.jpg" alt="Sorry - couldn't find a good image for this one." width="1200" height="862" /> snowdux / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Arawak Cay</h2>
Arawak Cay, or the Fish Fry as locals call it, is a gathering spot for Bahamians and tourists looking for an authentic Bahamian experience. Built on sand reclaimed by dredging Nassau Harbour, the Cay features inexpensive seafood casual dining, as well as special events and concerts. On Sunday evenings it's a great place to stroll after a gut-busting dinner of fried conch and other Bahamian goodies.

[caption id="attachment_34610" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/478603737.jpg" alt=" Refreshing conch salad is a Nassau specialty." width="1200" height="800" /> shalamov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Blue Lagoon Island</h2>
This popular day excursion in the Bahamas leaves from Nassau Harbour daily. A 10-minute speedboat ride away, Blue Lagoon Island—also known as Salt Cay—is a private island with a calm lagoon, white sand beaches, and the well-regarded Dolphin Encounters, an interactive program featuring dolphins and sea lions that you can swim beside and touch.

[caption id="attachment_34611" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/472467210.jpg" alt=" Beach at Blue Lagoon Island near Nassau in the Bahamas." width="1200" height="800" /> eyfoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Graycliff Estate</h2>
Graycliff is an elegant estate in downtown Nassau with a storied past and a delicious secret. Now a 5-star hotel and world-class restaurant, the main mansion was built by a pirate, Captain John Graysmith in 1740. It was Nassau's very first inn and the extensive grounds served as a base for the West Indian Regiment during the American Civil War. That delicious secret? The estate houses an on-site chocolate making facility, where guests can learn about the primary Caribbean export of cacao and sample handcrafted chocolate bonbons.

[caption id="attachment_34612" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/172131971.jpg" alt="Native cacao is turned into fine chocolate at Graycliff." width="1200" height="838" /> elkor / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Take a Bahamian food tour</h2>
Foodies will find lots to love in Nassau. The Bahamian cuisine revolves around seafood, with conch and rock lobster on every menu at beach shacks; it also incorporates tropical fruits and dishes we might associate more with the American South, such as peas and rice. Bahamian beer is refreshing, as are local drinks like Switcha, made from local limes and lemons, and Sky Juice, a popular cocktail made with gin, coconut water, and condensed milk. Don't forget to try the islands' signature Bahama Mama, made from rum, grenadine, and pineapple juice.

[caption id="attachment_34613" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1077263366.jpg" alt="Lobster is a staple of Nassau cuisine." width="1200" height="800" /> Artit_Wongpradu / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Cable Beach</h2>
There are numerous public beaches within distance of Nassau via cab or jitney. One of the world's most famous is just a couple of miles to the west. The crescent-shaped Cable Beach is busy for sure, but it's the perfect spot soak up the sun with a locally brewed Sands or Kalik beer in hand or goggle at the luxury resorts and casinos set back from the sand.

[caption id="attachment_34614" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/510394195.jpg" alt="The perfect colors of Cable Beach near Nassau in the Bahamas." width="1200" height="811" /> TalbotImages / Getty Images[/caption]

Find Your Oasis in Nassau, Bahamas

Located in the Exuma district of the Bahamas, Pig Island or Pig Beach is one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world. This island is home to about 20 wild pigs who love to play and interact with their human visitors.

Everyone's heard of swimming with dolphins, but what about swimming with pigs? Located in the Exuma district of the Bahamas, Pig Beach or Pig Island is one of the most unique tourist destinations in the world. This island is home to about 20 wild pigs who love to play and interact with their human visitors. The island itself is remote and very well cared for, a beautiful place to experience a unique side of the Bahamas.
<h2>1. How Did the Pigs Get There?</h2>
The truth is, no one really knows where the pigs came from but there are a lot of theories out there. One story is that a nearby settlement didn't like the smell of their pigs so they moved them their own island. Other people believe that the pigs were survivors of a shipwreck and swam ashore. Whatever the reason, today there are about 20 pigs there that make the island their home.

[caption id="attachment_1040140" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040140" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-477144973-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Swimming pigs of the Bahamas in the Out Islands of the Exuma" width="1024" height="683" /> shalamov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Interacting with the Pigs</h2>
The inhabitants of Pig Island are charming, friendly, and love to interact with visitors. Younger, more adventurous pigs may swim out to meet you as your boat arrives and have been known to venture as far as a mile offshore. Older pigs typically hang out on the beach or wade into the shallows. Most of the time, they approach you with friendly curiosity and the hopes that you'll give them a treat.

[caption id="attachment_1040144" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040144" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-183299983-1-1024x630.jpg" alt="A lone pig enjoying the beach on a deserted island in the Exumas chain near Staniel Cay." width="1024" height="630" /> samvaltenbergs / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Is It Okay to Feed the Pigs?</h2>
Feeding the pigs is allowed but it's important to keep their health and safety in mind. Fresh veggies and pitted fruits are fine. Local guides often recommend dropping the food in the water and letting the pigs swim to get it rather than placing it on the sand or trying to feed them out of your hand. Keep in mind that these pigs are wild animals - some of them are really big - and they may be aggressive when trying to find a snack.

[caption id="attachment_1040145" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040145" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-1000994198-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Swimming Pig in Tropical Ocean in Exuma, Bahamas" width="1024" height="683" /> Justin Pratt / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Other Things to Do on Pig Island</h2>
Yes, swimming with the pigs is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it alone is worth the visit to Pig Island. Other than hanging out with the pigs, though, there are limited things to do. Relax in the shade in the nearby pavilion and grab some snacks. It's also a great place to learn about what to feed the pigs and how you can do your part to take care of them during your visit.

[caption id="attachment_1040160" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040160" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-477330765-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Boy with swimming pig of Exuma beach, Bahamas" width="1024" height="683" /> shalamov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Make It a Day Trip</h2>
You can only reach Pig Island by boat and, since there are no hotels, resorts, or restaurants on the beach, this excursion is strictly a day trip. Touring companies in the area take you to Pig Island as well as other attractions in the Exumas so you can make a full day of it. Some hotels and local businesses let you rent a boat to visit Pig Island on your own so you can go early in the morning before most visitors arrive. Guides are also available for hire.

[caption id="attachment_1040162" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040162" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-529873445-1-1024x767.jpg" alt="The swimming pigs in caribbean sea of Exuma Island " width="1024" height="767" /> PJPhoto69 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. When Is the Best Time to Visit?</h2>
Most tours run from about 9 am until sunset. It's best to get to Pig Island as early as you can, though, to avoid the crowds. The later in the day you arrive, the more the pigs have eaten and swam so they may not be as active as they are first thing in the morning. When planning a visit, remember that hurricane season runs from June to November and the pigs are removed from the island for safety.

[caption id="attachment_1040164" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040164" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-680775192-1-1024x614.jpg" alt="Wild pigs on Big Majors Island in The Bahamas, lounging and walking around in the sand and ocean." width="1024" height="614" /> ksmith0808 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Visit the Nearby Friendly Iguanas</h2>
Allen's Cay is close to Pig Island and home to the Allen's Cay iguana, also called the Northern Bahamian Rock iguana. These reptiles only exist on three islands in the Exumas so it's worth including a visit on a day trip to Pig Island. Because they are endangered, the lizards are protected by law but, don't worry, they are very accustomed to human visitors. They may run across the sand to greet you and, like the pigs, they expect a snack.

[caption id="attachment_1040165" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040165" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-1153749668-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Exumas Bahamas" width="1024" height="768" /> Dawn Niles / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. The Sharks at Compass Cay</h2>
Another spot close to Pig Island that's worth including in a day trip is Compass Cay. If swimming with animals is your thing, you have to see the nurse sharks. They can reach up to 14 feet long and their fins look very intimidating from above, once you get in the water, you see how harmless they are. They've become such a part of the culture in Compass Cay that the locals have given them names, including Ross, Mutt, and Chunky.

[caption id="attachment_1040166" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040166" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-1007863902-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Nurse stark swims on the surface in transparent sea waters" width="1024" height="683" /> JGolosiy / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Swimming with Turtles, Too</h2>
Another awesome place to visit if you're planning a day trip to Pig Island is nearby Little Farmer's Cay. Here, you can jump in the water with sea turtles and have them eating conch right out of your hand. There are rays, sharks, and dolphins swimming around, too. This is a great place for snorkeling - there are plenty of coral reefs and sea caves to explore.

[caption id="attachment_1040167" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040167" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-817157210-1-1024x673.jpg" alt="Photographic slide of a hawksbill sea turtle swimming over the reefs in the Bahamas" width="1024" height="673" /> Global_Pics / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Where to Stay</h2>
Since there are no hotels or resorts on Pig Island, choosing one that's close by is the next best option. Fowl Cay Resort is only a few minutes away on a private island and one of the closest available. Stanley Cay is also nearby. It has an airport which makes it extremely accessible to tourists. There are luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and privately owned inns, too, so there's something to fit most travel budgets.

[caption id="attachment_1040168" align="alignnone" width="788"]<img class="size-full wp-image-1040168" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-1030902732.jpg" alt="Beautiful white sand beach. Amazing aerial view" width="788" height="443" /> Iren_Key / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>11. How to Get There</h2>
As mentioned, you can only get to Pig Island by boat. The airport at Staniel Cay is the closest and most tours from Miami, Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities start by flying there. Black Point and Farmer's Cay have airstrips, too, but aren't as close. Once you're in the Exumas, there are plenty of daily boat tours to Pig Island as well as longer journeys that include stops at other attractions.

[caption id="attachment_1040169" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-1040169" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/09/GettyImages-527879743-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Close-up of a swimming pig in Exuma " width="1024" height="768" /> PJPhoto69 / Getty Images[/caption]

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