Ahhh islands. Nothing beats ’em when it comes to scoring a unique experience in the isolated yonder. To up the uniqueness factor even more though, let’s add wild animals to the mix. This ongoing series, co-authored by Stephanie Be (@StephBeTravel) of TravelBreak.net, will introduce you to some of the most unusual island locations in the world that just so happen to be overrun with animals. So, sit back and relax as we take you on a trip to some of the most stunning animal islands. You’re definitely going to want to add traveling to these places on your bucket list!

Swimming Pig Island of Big Major Cay

These white sandy beaches aren’t flanked with sunbathing tourists but rather peace-loving porkers. On the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay, or Pig Island, as it is more affectionately called, thrive a population of feral pigs which have become quite famous to the area. Located in Exuma, the Bahamas, there are a few legends that purport to explain the pigs’ presence. One popular legend says that these swimming pigs were dropped off by sailors who had the intent of having them for dinner (no, not as guests *tear*) but evidently forgot to come back for their meals. Another states that they were survivors of a shipwreck and managed to swim to shore, while another claims that the pigs had escaped from a nearby islet. However they got their, the pigs ended up surviving on the island due to the presence of three freshwater springs and excess food dumped by passing ships.

“When Pigs Swim”

Once word got out about the pigs, locals and travelers alike began flocking to the island in order to “swim with the pigs.” You see, they had become so accustomed to people bringing them food that the sight/sound of incoming boats alone drew the pigs out of the shadows of the island. They would waddle straight into the waves and then lazily drift alongside the moored boats, looking for handouts. Apparently this means of acquiring food became so effective that a boat now equals a dinner bell in the minds of these swindling swine.

In addition to 20-something swimming pigs that call Pig Island home, a few stray cats and some goats can be found living in tropical paradise there as well.

It’s quite the site to behold pigs swimming nonchalantly alongside stingrays, wouldn’t you say?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-zKGos8X40