No Name Cay

The Swimming Pigs of Piggyville

The main attraction at No Name Cay is its colony of swimming pigs, which gather primarily along the northwest shore in an area affectionately called Piggyville. These pigs are remarkably comfortable around humans and will swim out to boats in hopes of a treat. Visitors can feed them fruits and vegetables, though locals advise keeping hands at a safe distance from eager mouths.

The origins of the pigs remain a mystery. Some locals believe sailors left them as a future food source and never returned, while others suggest they may have survived a shipwreck and swam ashore. Whatever their history, the pigs have become beloved ambassadors for the Abacos and survived Hurricane Dorian in 2019 thanks to the care of dedicated locals who established rain collection systems and brought regular food supplies.

Snorkeling and Diving

No Name Cay offers more than just pig encounters. The surrounding waters feature excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities in gin-clear visibility that can reach up to 45 meters. The site features a gentle sandy slope to a maximum depth of around 9 meters, making it ideal for beginners and families.

Marine life is abundant, with sightings of Bahamian lobsters, groupers, rays, and sea turtles common among healthy coral formations. The reefs between No Name Cay and Green Turtle Cay to the north are particularly rewarding for underwater exploration.

Big O's Beach Bar

After meeting the pigs, visitors can enjoy refreshments at Big O's Swimming Pigs Bar and Restaurant, a lively establishment that opened on the cay. The venue features two bars, including a swim-up pool bar, and serves Bahamian cuisine on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach.

Big O's offers ferry service from both Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay, making it easy for visitors without private boats to reach the island. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for spending a lazy afternoon in the shade after your wildlife adventure.

Anchorage and Access

Charterers approaching No Name Cay will find anchorage in the protected waters of the Sea of Abaco. The bottom is mixed sand and grass, so it is important to choose a sandy spot to avoid fouling your anchor in seagrass. The anchorage offers good holding in typical conditions and easy dinghy access to the beach.

The cay lies approximately 2.5 nautical miles south of Green Turtle Cay and about 4.6 nautical miles north of Treasure Cay, making it a convenient stop when cruising the Northern Abacos. Most charter itineraries include No Name Cay as a half-day excursion combined with exploration of nearby Green Turtle Cay.

Approach and Anchoring

No Name Cay lies in the protected Sea of Abaco, roughly 2.5 nautical miles south of Green Turtle Cay and 4.6 nautical miles north of Treasure Cay. Approaching from either direction, watch for the shoals extending south from Green Turtle Cay and those off No Name Cay itself—they deserve your full attention on the chart.

The recommended anchorage is east of the small lagoon entrance, after clearing the shoals on the north or south side. Do not attempt to anchor inside the lagoon; depths are too shallow and the bottom is very rocky. The anchorage outside features a mixed sand and grass bottom, so choose a sandy patch to avoid fouling your anchor in seagrass. Holding is adequate in settled conditions.

Daytime activity peaks as tour boats and private vessels arrive to see the pigs. Once the sun goes down, the anchorage reverts to a quiet overnight spot, though it is best suited for settled weather rather than frontal passages. The lagoon itself should only be explored by dinghy at high tide.

Meeting the Pigs

The swimming pigs gather primarily along the northwest shore in the area known as Piggyville. These are not tame pets—they are opportunistic omnivores that will eat almost anything and can become aggressive when hungry or competing for food. Keep your hands flat when feeding and consider throwing food into the water rather than hand-feeding to avoid nips.

Bring apples, bananas, grapes, corn, or carrots for the pigs. Avoid citrus, onions, and anything with bones. Dry swine feed, available at Price Right Warehouse in Marsh Harbour, also works well. The pigs have survived multiple hurricanes thanks to dedicated locals who established rain collection systems and maintained regular food supplies.

Never bring dogs to No Name Cay—they may chase and terrorize the pigs. The animals lack veterinary care, so disease transmission risks are unknown, and visitors should exercise appropriate caution around these wild creatures.

Big O's and Island Amenities

Big O's Swimming Pigs Bar and Restaurant opened in 2021 and has become the social hub of Piggyville. The venue features two bars, including a swim-up pool bar, and serves Bahamian cuisine on a stretch of white sand beach. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a rum punch after your pig encounter.

Big O's operates ferry service from both Treasure Cay and Green Turtle Cay, making the island accessible to visitors without private boats. The bar also provides a convenient spot to refill your water supply if you have brought extra water for the pigs' drinking containers, which can run low during the off-season.

Snorkeling and Wildlife

Beyond the famous pigs, No Name Cay offers excellent shallow-water snorkeling in gin-clear visibility that can reach 45 meters on calm days. The site features a gentle sandy slope to a maximum depth of around nine meters, making it ideal for beginners and families.

The reefs between No Name Cay and Green Turtle Cay to the north are particularly rewarding for underwater exploration. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of Bahamian lobsters, groupers, rays, and sea turtles common among healthy coral formations. The combination of pig encounter and snorkeling makes No Name Cay a full morning or afternoon excursion.

Getting there

By private yacht charter, No Name Cay is an easy sail through the protected Sea of Abaco, located approximately 2.5 nautical miles south of Green Turtle Cay and 4.6 nautical miles north of Treasure Cay. Day-trippers without a boat can take a ferry from Treasure Cay or Green Turtle Cay operated by Big O's, or book an excursion through local tour operators such as Brendal's Dive Center or Bahamas Adventure Tours. The calm, sheltered waters make this a comfortable trip in most weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Are the swimming pigs at No Name Cay safe to interact with?

The pigs are accustomed to visitors and generally friendly, but they are wild animals and can bite if they mistake fingers for food. Keep your hands flat when feeding and maintain a safe distance from their mouths. Bring fruits or vegetables rather than processed foods.

What should I bring when visiting No Name Cay?

Bring fresh water to refill the pigs' drinking containers if levels are low, plus fruits and vegetables to feed them. Pack snorkel gear to explore the nearby reefs, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash for Big O's Beach Bar. The pigs should not be fed citrus, onions, or foods with bones.

Did the pigs survive Hurricane Dorian?

Yes, most of the swimming pigs on No Name Cay survived Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Dedicated locals established rain collection systems for fresh water, built shaded shelters, and brought regular food supplies to help the herd recover after the storm.

What food should I bring for the pigs at No Name Cay?

Bring apples, bananas, grapes, corn, or carrots for the pigs. You can also purchase dry swine feed at Price Right Warehouse in Marsh Harbour. Avoid feeding the pigs citrus, onions, or foods with bones, and never feed them processed human snacks.

Can I anchor overnight at No Name Cay?

Yes, you can anchor overnight east of the lagoon entrance in settled conditions. The bottom is mixed sand and grass, so choose a sandy spot for better holding. The anchorage is best for fair weather; consider moving to a more protected harbour if a front is approaching.

Why should I bring extra water to No Name Cay?

The pigs rely on rain collection systems and human visitors for fresh water. During the off-season when fewer boats visit, their water supply can run low. Bringing a few gallons of fresh water to refill their containers helps keep the herd healthy.