Swim with Pigs 

Staying in Nassau or the Exumas? Book a day trip to swim with pigs! This must-do experience in the Bahamas introduces you to the famous swimming pigs for one of the cutest, most memorable days of your life. Meet the 20 or so pigs and piglets of Pig Beach who are loved to pieces by Bahamians and tourists throughout the year. You’ll hear their glee – loud snorting – as your boat nears shore and they rush to greet you. Learn the various stories as to how these little oinkers made it to uninhabited Big Major Cay, especially since pigs are not native to the island. Tales have been told over the years explaining their arrival, including that a group of sailors left them there or that they swam over from a nearby shipwreck. Whatever the reason, they sure are adorable. Bring some fresh fruit with you to the beach and you’ll make a quick bovine buddy. 

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Go Island Hopping 

With more than 700 islands, thousands of beaches and hundreds of must-see attractions, why limit yourself to just one or two Bahamaian islands? Start out in Nassau, where you can shop the straw market and culture village and visit the Queen’s Staircase. Take a ferry ride to Harbour Island to stroll on pink-sand beaches and amidst colorful homes and churches. On Eleuthera, you can tour pineapple plantations and cross the Glass Window Bridge, a 30-foot rock expanse that separates the rough Atlantic from the calm Bight of Eleuthera. Hop to The Abacos for boating, golfing, diving, biking and more. Foodies love Green Turtle Cay and beachlovers head to the pristine sands of Treasure Cay. In the Exumas, you can swim with pigs (see above), explore underwater caves and lounge for hours on the peaceful Tropic of Cancer Beach. Don’t overlook Cat Island, where you can hike Mount Alvernia, visit a medieval monastery or old slave ruins and learn about the origins of the Bahamas and its mystical folklore. 

Better Yet, Charter a Yacht for the Day  

Indulge in a day on a chartered yacht and see the best of the Bahamas. Your crewed motor yacht outing is truly the optimum way to embrace all of the islands’ bliss, from the Bahamian Cays to the Exumas. The crew will set up a private beach just for your group, with watersports toys, alfresco meals and more. Soak up the sun on the deck as you zoom through azure waters. Moor in the Exumas and swim with nurse sharks and pigs, go snorkeling and jet ski through mangroves. You’ll escape the crowds, enjoy special moments with your family and friends and have a one-of-a-kind Bahamas vacation experience. With many of the yacht charter operators in the islands, the sky’s the limit. Dream up your perfect day at sea and exploring the Bahamas and they’ll make it happen. 

Go Bonefishing 

Bahamians don’t just like bonefishing – they’re obsessed with it. And you will be too after you cast a line for these little silver fish in the flats of the Out Islands – considered the Bonefishing capital of the world. When it comes to bonefishing, there is something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner who wants to experience a local activity or an avid saltwater angler who wants to chase big bonefish. Set out with a guide and learn the tips and tricks of the trade. There are countless fishing tour operators throughout the islands, so pick your pleasure: a DIY sort of angling adventure or a luxury experience that includes fishing guides and transportation, equipment, lodging and fantastic dining – and everything in between. 

Snorkel with Stingrays 

There are a lot of ways to get up close and personal with stingrays in the Bahamas. The smallest kiddos can feed them, while older tweens, teens and grown-ups can not only feed them but snorkel alongside them. From a 45-minute encounter with Cownose stingrays at Atlantis on Paradise Island to feeling the silky smooth fins of the gentle Southern stingray on Blue Lagoon Island, there’s no better way to get to know these underwater marvels. At Balmoral Island marine park, stingray expert handlers will help you pet, feed and even hold stingrays. Just be sure to get a few photos!