Bahamas safety reports

Published medical case: severe leg infection after Bahamas swimming trip

A 2018 clinical case report describes a traveler who swam in resort pools and in the ocean with pigs after a recent skin biopsy. He developed severe cellulitis and a bloodstream infection caused by Shewanella, a marine bacterium. He recovered with antibiotics and did not require surgery. The case supports concern about seawater exposure through an open wound; it does not demonstrate that pigs transmitted the bacteria or identify a responsible excursion company.

Source: Dretler, Jacob and Rouphael, Case Reports in Infectious Diseases, October 24, 2018.

Guest reports rough seas and a loose fire extinguisher; operator disputes details

A visitor on the January 2, 2025 Pink Sand Beach and Swimming Pigs trip says rough seas frightened passengers and a fire extinguisher narrowly missed them. Born Free responded that the crew had assessed conditions as safe and disputed the stated extinguisher weight, saying its units are three pounds and mounted near the floor. The operator also disputed the guest’s conduct during the trip. The source records both sides; it does not establish a safety violation or an injury.

Source: TripAdvisor review of January 6, 2025, and operator response of January 7.

Rough return ride left guests bruised and shivering, reviewer says

A February 2026 reviewer describes a frightening two-hour return ride from Exuma, saying the group was soaked, bruised and not given life vests. Aqua Shores responded that sea conditions were assessed as safe, its boats carry required safety equipment, and life vests are available to wear on request. It said it cancels trips when conditions are unsafe and that open-water travel may not suit every family. The complaint and response describe a disagreement about that trip, not a regulatory finding.

Source: TripAdvisor, “Not safe, awful experience,” and management response of February 23, 2026.

Little beach time and no pig swim, guest says

The family enjoyed parts of the day but felt the trip fell short for the price. Their December 2024 review describes roughly 20 minutes of snorkeling in rough water, a brief turtle sighting and waves making the Rose Island landing difficult. They fed the pigs rather than swimming with them and had little beach time.

Seas ’n Cays responded that, if this was the December 24 trip, it provided boat transport for another company, not the tour. It said the photographed location was not one of its stops and offered to relay the feedback.

Source: TripAdvisor review, ‘Good but not great. Not worth the cost.’, December 24, 2024, and operator response. Source-linked summary, not a firsthand submission to this site.

Pigs appeared reluctant to swim and struggled in waves, guest says

The pig-swim stop was upsetting for this guest, who described animals that seemed unwilling to enter the water and struggled in the waves. Their review concerns a Nassau swimming-pigs and turtle excursion. The operator disputed mistreatment in its response on the listing.

Source: Tripadvisor public review.