As you float across the shimmering waters of The Bahamas, past exotic islands and cays, the view itself will speak of paradise. Like the ice in your crisp and cool tropical beverage, your heart begins to melt.
Your boat approaches an ivory-white beach, and 20-something adorable pigs and piglets hastily make their way to you for a playful encounter in the shallow waters.
Courtney Montgomery is a highly experienced Sandals Resorts travel guru and lover of global adventures. Specializing in Sandals Resorts vacations. She has extensive experience working with all-inclusive resorts, helping couples create unique and culturally rich wedding celebrations.
Welcome to Pig Island... Where all pigs go to heaven.
What started out as five baby piglets (four females and one lucky male) in the early 90s, is now the enduring reason why millions of tourists flock to the Bahamas annually for a bit of pig-cuddling therapy.
In this article on our Sandals Resorts Blog:
As you would expect with creatures so wildly adorable, the famous swimming pigs of The Bahamas have gained much internet fame over the years. These pigs reside on various islands in this territory including Eleuthera, Rose Island, Abaco, and Ship Channel Cay, but the main island where you can find swimming pigs in The Bahamas is Big Major Cay. The pigs on Big Major Cay (Pig Island) are considered the 'original swimming pigs' of The Bahamas. There are about 20 pigs on this island and piglets as well.
Depending on whom you ask, you might hear stories about how the pigs were brought to The Bahamas by sailors (or possibly even hungry
What you need to know ahead of a trip to Big Major Cay is that yes, the piggiess can actually swim. Added to that, the pigs swim up to your boat once you arrive on the island. On Big Major Cay, piglets are thought to possibly outnumber the hogs with a ratio of about 2:1!
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The famous pigs of Pig Island are wild, yet they can be playful, adorable, and hungry! They love the fact that visitors to this island sometimes come bearing gifts (food!) though there may soon be some restrictions implemented regarding who can feed the pigs, and when (more details later). In terms of where you might have seen the pigs in the past, they made an appearance on The Bachelor TV show that was quite memorable!
The original swimming pigs of The Bahamas live on Big Major Cay. The nearest inhabited island to this one is
Here are some more details on the distance from Nassau (New Providence) and George Town (Exuma) to Pig Island:
? 82 miles from Nassau (132 km) = 2-3-hour boat ride to the SE
? 50 miles from George Town (80 km) = 2-hour boat ride to the NW
Expert tip: It takes less time to get to Big Major Cay from Exuma than from New Providence (Nassau). You can stay at and book your tour from
adults-only resorts in Exuma to save on travel time. Tours are available daily.
You can get to Pig Island from Exuma fairly easily. There are various ways to do so including by plane and by boat. If you fly to Exuma from New Providence, you'll still need to take a boat to Pig Island once you arrive. Various tour companies will have different prices for this excursion. Here are some more details on getting to Pig Island from Exuma:
? Go on a one-day tour from Sandals Emerald Bay - (
? Go by plane from Great Exuma - It is possible to fly to a nearer point in Exuma to facilitate your swimming pigs tour. The best option will be to land in Staniel Cay and then hop on a boat to Pig Island. FlamingoAir/Bahamasair can take you to Staniel Cay. Bear in mind that a passport is necessary for visitors to book domestic flights in The Bahamas.
Insider tip:Sandals Emerald Bay is a great option if you want to do exciting tours and excursions in The Bahamas including visiting Pig Island. Not only will you be able to book your tour easily from your resort, but you can also enjoy high-quality inclusions in a luxurious atmosphere.
While Exuma is the nearest island to the best swimming pigs excursions in The Bahamas, it is not hard to plan a trip to Pig Island from Nassau. Pig Beach is located southeast of Nassau and it takes about 3 hours to travel from island to island. Here are a few day trip options for this experience from Nassau:
? Go on a one-day trip by plane to Big Major Cay from Nassau - (
? Go on a one-day trip by power boat to Big Major Cay from Nassau - This will be a scenic option and some power boat tours include the chance to feed stingrays and see sharks up close, in addition to meeting the pigs.
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Get A Quote NowExpert tip: If you're staying at
all-inclusive resorts in Nassau like Sandals Royal Bahamian, you can book your swimming pigs tour through the resort. Most excursions and tours booked through the resort include pick up and drop off back to the resort.
Swimming with pigs can be just the motivation you needed to plan some
How to get there: From Nassau, it takes about 1.5 hours to get to Meeks Patch Island in North Eleuthera when traveling by boat.
Taking a day trip to Eleuthera is a great way to experience swimming pigs in The Bahamas. Eleuthera is well-known for its pink sand beaches, and for being one of the few
How to get there: You can take a 25-minute boat ride from either Nassau or Paradise Island to get to Rose Island.
Rose Island can be visited as part of a day trip, and there are swimming pigs on this island that are fun to be around as well. There are nine pigs on Rose Island, namely: Babe, Wilbur, Pumba, Larry, Curly, Mo, Ginger, Pepper, and Spice. A tour to see the pigs on Rose Island can include snorkeling, lunch, and more.
Expert tip: The Rose Island Reef is one of the
best places to go snorkeling in The Bahamas . You can combine your swimming pigs adventure with an underwater experience at this thriving reef.
How to get there: A boat trip is the best way to get to Ship Channel Cay. It can take about an hour (varies) to get from New Providence to Ship Channel Cay.
You can visit Ship Channel Cay via powerboat tour while in The Bahamas. Usually, these tours are day trips. Ship Channel Cay is quite small at around two miles long and half a mile wide. Like other swimming with the pigs experiences in The Bahamas, the one in Ship Channel Cay will allow you to get some really cool (and highly Instagramable) vacation photos!
How to get there: You can rent a car to get to Treasure Cay in Abaco for this excursion or you can charter a boat from Marsh Harbour, which tends to be a bit more costly (around $800 USD).
The swimming pigs on this beautiful island are not as famous as their cousins on Big Major Cay, but it's fun to take a day trip from Treasure Cay to No Name Cay to see them. A tour from Treasure Cay to see the swimming pigs starts at around $55 USD per person.
How to get there: You can get from Nassau to Long Island via boat or plane. It can take around 1 hour and 26 minutes to get there by boat. Dove Cay is just minutes from Cockburn Harbour (South Caicos) by boat.
Several swimming pigs have been spotted in Dove Cay, Long Island in recent times. Dove Cay is in northwest Long Island. Another place where you can find swimming pigs is on Sandy Cay, which is in the middle of Long Island on the western side. Sandy Cay is a private island so you'll need an approved tour boat to take you there. The pigs on both of these islands are thought to have been brought there from Big Major Cay.
Generally, the best time to visit The Bahamas is between mid-December to mid-April. This is also the best time to go swimming with the pigs in The Bahamas. Since this is the peak travel season for The Bahamas, you're more likely to find a tour you will enjoy to visit the swimming pigs. However, you may find that June-November is less busy because it is hurricane season on the island. While you will take a chance with the weather, you may find that the island is significantly less crowded during these months.
In terms of the best days/times to swim with the pigs, you might consider going as early as possible on any day of the week that suits you. This means that it makes sense to sign up for an early tour to Big Major Cay, but it is also a good idea to go early if you'll be taking your own boat. The latter option (taking your own boat) may soon be prohibited due to changing regulations from the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in The Bahamas, so it's a good idea to verify before you go.
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Get A Quote NowKeep in mind that if you visit Pig Island around lunchtime or late afternoon, you're likely to find the pigs resting on the beach after having their fill of food.
If you're planning on visiting Big Major Cay to see the swimming pigs during your vacation, there are a few things you might want to bring along for your tour. We've listed a few of the most important:
? Towel & change of clothes - Walk with a towel and a change of clothes so you can dry off and change once you're done enjoying the water.
? Swimsuit - If you're headed to Pig Island, chances are that you're going to get wet. There are some really nice beaches on this island, so walk with or wear a swimsuit.
? Camera - You'll have plenty of photo ops during this tour so make sure to be prepared. If you have a waterproof camera, this might be a good opportunity to put it to use.
? Cash - Bring a small amount of cash with you on this tour. Around $50 USD or BSD should suffice, preferably in smaller bills. Both U.S. and Bahamian currencies are accepted.
? Sunscreen - As with all boat tours in The Bahamas, you'll want to apply plenty of sunscreen ahead of time. This tour includes lots of sunshine so be sure to bring enough for reapplications, especially if you plan on getting into the water.
? Water shoes - These will come in handy when walking around the island and particularly if you choose to get into the water to see the pigs up close.
? Insect repellent - Keep safe from bug bites by packing some repellant and bringing it along with you for your tour to Pig Island.
? Don't wear expensive jewelry - You might want to consider leaving your more pricy jewelry behind or not wearing any jewelry at all during this and other excursions in The Bahamas as these items can easily get lost. Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas have rooms and suites that come with their own safes where you can store your valuables during your vacation.
First things first, let's talk about petting the pigs. On Pig Island, you'll generally be allowed to pet the pigs but, as with most tours that include animals, you'll need to use your discretion too. It is important to respect the animals and be kind to them so that they return the favor. Always be cautious when approaching the animals, and especially when handling them. Be thoughtful and responsible with all of your actions.
It is not recommended that you handle the piglets. They might squeal if you pick them up, which might startle you and cause you to drop them. The same goes for the older pigs (handling), and it is also not recommended that you try to 'ride' the hogs. Overall, when interacting with the pigs, keep an eye on them at all times.
There have been some issues with visitors to the island feeding the pigs in the past, so the Bahamian Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources has hinted that this allowance might change in the future. For the time being and for the well-being of the animals, this is what you need to keep in mind when feeding the pigs on Pig Island:
? Be extra careful - If you turn your back on the pigs they might think you're ignoring them and nip you to get your attention. Keep your eyes on the animals, and if they approach you thinking you have food when you don't, show them your open palms so that they understand that you don't.
? Learn about the recommended foods - If you plan on feeding the pigs, keep in mind that the pigs eat pitted fruits and vegetables, lettuce, carrots, watermelon, apples, and freshwater. Their supply of fresh water on the island is limited and sometimes even dries up. Water is always welcome!
? Do not feed the pigs if you are scared - Plain and simple, this is a no-no. The pigs are quite large, and it is possible that they might try to chase you if you're carrying food. If you are scared of the pigs, do not walk onto the beach with any food at all.
? Do not feed the pigs on the sand - It is not recommended that you feed the pigs on the sand. The preferred option is to feed them in the water when they come swimming up to your boat. Feeding the pigs on the sand can result in them ingesting too much sand, which is not good for them. If you're not sure, opt out of feeding the pigs altogether.
When it comes to feeding the pigs, it is important to note that they are perfectly able to find their own food on the island without being fed by visitors - they've done this for many years. In terms of the possible changes when it comes to feeding the pigs, the relevant authorities have proposed that a warden might soon be posted at the beach and boundary lines laid out. This means that visitors may only be able to view the pigs, but not feed them. It is not clear when these changes will take effect. In the future, visits to Pig Island might be limited for the safety of the pigs and the preservation of the general area.
Other concerns currently also include the domestication of the pigs, which once lived mainly in the small forest sections on Pig Island. With the large numbers of visitors coming to see them by boat, the pigs have gravitated towards the beach over time, which is not their natural habitat. This has had consequences. Fortunately, conversations are already being had on measures that can be put in place to protect the pigs yet still allow visitors on a smaller scale.
There are a few excursions that you can do in The Bahamas that will not only let you see the swimming pigs but also tie in other nature-oriented excursions. This includes tours to see the rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay, visits to
You can also do combination tours of Big Major Cay and Compass Cay (swimming with nurse sharks) or Big Major Cay and the Pablo Escobar sunken drug plane tour. Additionally, the nearby Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the perfect place to stop off for lunch or dinner.
If you want to visit more Bahamian animals during your trip, you can also stop by West Bay Adventures to snorkle with sea turtles. Though this destination is a little far from Pig Island, it is still a great destination for your Bahamian vacation.
Expert tip: There's lots more
things to do in Exuma besides swimming with pigs. Check out these awesome activities you can try while you're in the area!
Courtney Montgomery is a highly experienced Sandals Resorts travel guru and lover of global adventures. Specializing in Sandals Resorts vacations. She has extensive experience working with all-inclusive resorts, helping couples create unique and culturally rich wedding celebrations.
Boats and tours in The Bahamas typically operate between the hours of 8 AM/9 AM local time (morning), and 5 PM (sunset).
A tour to see the swimming pigs in The Bahamas can cost anywhere from $160 to 210 USD per person. The price of this tour varies based on the tour operator, so it is a good idea to shop around before selecting the best one for you.
It is possible to pay for tours in The Bahamas using U.S. dollars (USD). Though the main currency of these islands is the Bahamian Dollar, USD is widely accepted.
Most tours are around four hours though some can be more or less. Travel time is usually not included in this calculation. The duration of your tour will depend on whether you sign up for a half or full-day tour, and the type of excursion/tour you will be going on. Some adventures span for an entire day, while there are shorter options that last just a few hours.
No, it is not a must that you get wet to interact with the swimming pigs in The Bahamas. You may be able to interact with the pigs right from the boat as they tend to swim out to meet arriving boats. With that said, some people choose to get off the boat and make their way to the island when the boat gets close enough to shore. If you choose to do so, you'll likely get wet in the process!
There are many different types of tours available in The Bahamas including power boat trips, catamaran cruise trips, one-day excursions with flights to the various islands, and a range of excursions and tours, many of which include transportation from your resort to the attraction and back.
For safety reasons, the Swimming with the Pigs excursion is not recommended for women who are pregnant, individuals who are physically challenged, people with back problems or who have had recent back surgery, anyone who is physically handicapped, and people who get seasick easily.
Big Major Cay is not inhabited by humans. This island is one of the many uninhabited islands of The Bahamas and it is primarily used for tours.
It is not possible at this time to overnight on Big Major Cay as part of a tour. Most tours just spend a few hours on the island and then return to the mainland. There aren't any facilities here currently that would make it possible to overnight on the island.
The pigs on Big Major Cay are a large part of the attraction, but this is also quite a beautiful island with pristine white sand beaches and a small forest. Even if you go there just to see the pigs, you can still have a great time lounging on the beach and exploring the island.
Yes, there will be opportunities to take photos during your visit to Pig Island. Before setting up to take photos, make sure you're completely aware of your surroundings.
A boat ride is the only way to get to Pig Beach in The Bahamas. Even if you fly to Exuma from another island, you'll still need to take a boat from there to get to Pig Island. This can be easily arranged via a tour.
The Bahamas is an incredible destination with so much to offer. During a vacation on these islands, you can start by exploring the incredible beaches, tour some of the historical and cultural attractions, and enjoy authentic Bahamian cuisine. Pencil in some time for adventure with hikes through national parks, visits to water parks or spend some time at
Expert tip: There are lots of other exciting
things to do in The Bahamas ! Feel free to try as many as you can while you're there.
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Hi! I'm Lia Vincent. I have been handling all the ins-and-outs of Sandals Resorts vacations for couples and groups since 2002! I know how unique and special your Sandals Resorts vacation is to you and your guests. My team and I want to make sure your group travel is an extraordinary experience, and one to talk about for ages to come.
Your next great adventure begins here. Whether you prefer an intimate elopement or a grand affair, every wedding deserves a week-long celebration with a little something extra. Sandals and Beaches wedding packages offer the best of everything from pre-wedding events to unique wedding day and honeymoon experiences.
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Applicable for 2 people.
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
Pre-Wedding Events
• Scents of Love Couples massage*
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
On Your Wedding Day
• Bridal attendant*
• 10 digital images
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Witnesses
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d'oeuvres
- Sparkling wine
- Reception table with white linen and white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Private candlelight dinner with four-course
menu and prosecco*
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
Applicable for up to 10 people
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services
for the bride and groom (not applicable
to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• $200 credit towards select photography
packages
• $200 credit towards select videography
packages
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Chef-inspired hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
- Reception table with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with white or magenta dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen and white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
This package is complimentary when Bride and Groom stay for 7 nights or longer in Club or Butler categories. This offer is available Monday through Friday, 9am-2pm and is applicable only to 10 persons. This offer does not apply to ReTie the Knot ceremonies. Certain restrictions apply. See terms and conditions
Applicable for 12 people or more
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
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templates
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• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid
double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding team: event coordination,
setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the
entire group (not applicable to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• 20 digital images
• $200 credit towards select videography
packages
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for 1 member of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for 1 member
of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Two-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen & white
cushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated menus and a premium bar,
non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of your choice
• $100 credit towards either a Private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
Applicable for 52 people or more
Before You Arrive
• Wedding planning team
• Gift registry service and wedding website
templates
• Preparation of documents for marriage license
• 6th Room Free* when traveling with 5 paid
double rooms between Sept. 1 - Dec. 20
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
• 12th Room Free* when 11 paid double rooms
travel between Jan. 2 - Aug. 31.
(up to 5 complimentary rooms)
Pre-Wedding Events
• One-hour private welcome cocktail
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• 2-hour private pre-wedding celebration dinner
• Wedding day treats : frozen fruit kabobs
& small bites with sparkling wine for bride
and groom (in-room while getting ready
on day of wedding)
During Your Stay
• Onsite wedding event team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for the
entire group (not applicable to retail items)
On Your Wedding Day
• $500 credit towards the Royal Romance
photography package
• $500 credit towards the Ultimate videography
package
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• One speaker and one microphone
• Rose bouquet
• Rose boutonniere
• Rose bouquet for up to 2 members
of wedding party
• Rose boutonniere for up to 2 members
of wedding party
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d'oeuvres
- Premium bar, sparkling wine toast, signature
cocktail, and non-alcoholic beverages
- Cocktail tables with white linen
• Three-tiered white fondant wedding cake
with rose topper
• Reception table with white linen and whitecushioned Chiavari chairs
• Private two-hour dinner reception with selection
from the plated or buffet menus and a premium
bar, non-alcoholic beverages including freshly
brewed coffee and a selection of herbal teas
• One sweetheart table to include white linen,
standard place setting & 2 white-cushioned
Chiavari chairs
• Two-hour DJ entertainment
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
in resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
• $100 Credit towards either a private
candlelight dinner, scuba, snuba, beach
or pool cabana
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
Applicable for up to 10 people.
Before You Arrive
• ReTie the Knot planning team
• Celebration gift registry and website templates
During Your Stay
• Onsite ReTie the Knot team: event
coordination, setup & breakdown
• 15% off select Red Lane Spa services for bride
and groom (not applicable to retail items)
• One 5x7 photo print
• One keepsake gift
At Your Ceremony
• Picturesque ceremony location*
• Pre-recorded musical accompaniment
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid bouquet
• White or magenta dendrobium orchid
boutonniere
• White-cushioned Chiavari chairs
• ReTie the Knot commemorative certificate
At Your Wedding Reception
• Private one-hour cocktail reception
- Passed hors d' oeuvres
- Sparkling wine toast, signature cocktail,
and non-alcoholic beverages
• Single-tiered white fondant cake
with dendrobium topper
• Reception table with white linen
& white-cushioned Chiavari chairs
On Your Honeymoon
• Honeymoon dinner with sparkling wine
at a resort specialty restaurant
• Honeymoon Package
- Chilled sparkling wine and sweet treat
- Romantic turn-down service on wedding night
- Breakfast in bed any morning of choice
For Your Anniversary
• One free anniversary night on a future stay
with 7 paid nights in a Club or Butler category
I wanted to share (with permission) these gorgeous pictures from a destination wedding 2 weekends ago we had the privilege of being a part of and booked by Lia. She chose this over the water wedding chapel in St. Lucia with friends and family there to help celebrate. I love her flower crown and her dress and how happy she is. Picture perfect. Congratulations Kate and Curtis! We are so happy for you!
Lia was very helpful for us in planning our destination wedding to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had gone through a few other travel planners first who didn't seem nearly as interested in our needs. We really appreciated the way Lia helped us navigate through some of the complexities, including the local laws of Jamaica and the planning with the resort itself. Even once we got to the resort and ran into a few snags, Lia was able to quickly get those resolved very quickly. We would highly recommend her for anyone planning a destination wedding or any other vacation. Thanks, Lia, for making our destination wedding the most special day of our lives.
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but if you're planning on having a destination wedding, especially with a large group, I would highly recommend using All Inclusive Weddings!
From beginning to end, they help with every step; i.e., finding the venue, creating a custom wedding website, and booking all your guests. Their office manager, Linze, was very responsive, helpful, and so sweet! Everything turned out smoothly and we couldn't be happier!
Stephanie was our incredible travel agent for our destination wedding! She helped with every aspect, quick communication and AMAZING coordination with over 50 different people over 8 states. Stephanie from the beginning, gave options and talked through so many questions I had. I could not have asked for a better right hand woman! 10 out of 10 for Steph, we could not appreciate & trust her more!
Incredible Agent For Our Destination Wedding! 10 Out Of 10 For Steph!
Such an amazing week of memories,laughter & love! Thankful for our people and truly blessed beyond words ♥ï¸â™¥ï¸
My husband and I worked with the company's owner, Lia Vincent, and office manager, Linze.
Lia & Linze were both very warm and friendly, and from day one, we could tell cared about us as a couple and our destination wedding success, rather than just seeing us as more clients. I get stressed out easily, so planning my own wedding alone was overwhelming, even though my wedding was 10 months out. I ended up working with Linze, and we pushed up the wedding date with a little less than three months to prepare. I was initially nervous about using a travel agent / wedding planner, but it turned out to be a huge blessing, because it took away a lot of the stress and worry I was experiencing. A bride has so many things to worry about, so having someone else bear the brunt of the work and worry about the nitty-gritty details was a HUGE relief for me.
Why spend hours analyzing vendors and reading reviews, when you can have a pro do it? If you want an intimate wedding, if you want to elope, or if you want a huge all-out, go-into-debt-for-years wedding, and if you're in the market for a wedding travel agent, Lia and Linze should be at the top of your list!
The day of the wedding, everything was so beautiful, and so much better than I could have done on my own. Lia's company finds the best local vendors, so you know you'll get great value in your package, and what's nice is her company offers different packages for different budgets. We worked with and met AMAZING vendors! The reception was so elegant that as soon as I entered the reception, I felt amazement, joy, and relief because being the worrywart and control freak that I sometimes can be, it was hard for me to trust someone to somehow make everything perfect. Lia was able to give us the dream wedding we couldn't have done ourselves. Our family and friends were also amazed, and repeatedly told us how great the wedding, reception, and food were at the resort.
I used Stephanie Tindall to help me choose the perfect resort in PV Mexico for where my guests would stay for my destination wedding. She went round and round with me helping me find the perfect location. It had to be nice, trendy, not to outrageously expensive and within a certain mile radius of a marina where my guests needed to go for the wedding. She helped everyone get booked and when things became a little hectic as tracking sometimes can get. She took care of the details. One of my guests had passport issues and she helped talk them through what to do. It was such a relief to have a point of contact for travel related issues so I didn't have to be stressed about it. She did this all with a patient, positive? upbeat and kind attitude through the entire process. I highly recommend her.
Thank you again,
Darby Brown
Unico was wonderful and the perfect place for our wedding! It was quiet and the ceremony was better than expected. We had it on the gazebo and it was away from everything, which was great. The photography was beyond our expectations. We have not received our video yet, but assume it will be just as great. I also used the in house vendor for make up and hair, and was not disappointed. The wedding coordinator, Nazareth, was so sweet and on point. We used the local host quite a bit with WhatsApp, which was quite convenient. Food and drinks were amazing. We were disappointed that 2087 restaurant was down for half of our stay for repairs. We ate at Mi Carisa on our wedding night, which was the perfect choice. Service was also best there. We scheduled 2 tours through the hotel, a sunset cruise and Chichen Itza express. The boat tour was nice. Chichen itza tour was too fast and ok. We really appreciate your recommendations and help booking our wedding and stay. It was wonderful! Thank you again, Juliet and Jason
We just got back from an AMAZING wedding weekend yesterday. I can't begin to thank you enough for your help and support during the entire process. Everyone had a great time. It truly was one of the best days of my life and I can't believe how stress-free it was once I got there. Thank you Thank you!
I have never used a travel agent before Lia. I have always been the "I can do everything cheaper by myself on the internet" type person; most of the time, it works great. When my husband and I decided to have a destination wedding, we were not sure about anything - number of guests, length of stay, etc; we also have very demanding jobs, requiring constant travels up until the week before our wedding. So we thought that a travel agent may be a lifesaver; as it turned out, she was. Lia was endorsed as an expert in destination weddings on the American Express Travel website. Although she lived over a 1,000 miles away, I felt comfortable.
As I am not a "girly" person, wedding planning was not my thing; however, party planning and event coordination are. Lia and I treated this "event" like a business and I loved that about her; I needed someone to be truthful and provide honest advice. As it is with my job, I like corresponding via emails because I can have all the information on hand and in writing at all time; Lia always accommodated that, and always very promptly. I'm not talking about several emails over a few months; I'm talking about over the course of over a year. Lia was there to provide support when I had a hard time reach the wedding coordinator; she was there when I freaked out at the resort regarding my brother's return transportation (as it turned out, my brother spoke with the wrong transportation company); she was organized to be able to provide me with spreadsheet of all guest arrival information; she always submitted my requests to Classic Vacation and the resort promptly. James and I cannot thank Lia enough to make everything go smoothly for the biggest event of our lives. All 48 of us had such a great time that we absolutely see another group vacation in the future.
Read the full details about this destination wedding in our blog post, Mark and Casey Simpsen's Destination Wedding at UNICO 2087. This couple was also featured in the UNICO 2087 Resort blog post, UNICO Destination Wedding, Casey Shelley & Mark Simpsen
Lia being referred to me saved me so much wedding planning mental anguish! I had tried with a few other travel agents before I had two different people give me Lia's name, and with each of the previous TAs they had to look into things and call me back (I'm still waiting for those calls). Getting in touch with Lia was a whole new experience, she answered all my initial questions in that first phone call, had so many recommendations, and it was obvious she knew exactly what she was doing. By the time we hung up the first phone call, I had decided on a destination and venue (per Lia's suggestion). She was a God send! A year later, we are still having people talk about what a great trip it was and people are always amazed by what a great turn out we had. We ended up with about 60 people, all booking through Lia and everyone had a flawless experience. One even asked for her name when planning her destination wedding a few months later and was just as pleased! Lia told me a lot through the planning process that I was such a laid-back bride, but it really was because she left me nothing to worry about. She answered any question I had, was always quick to respond to calls and emails, and helped me plan the most perfect wedding ever. I wish I could re-live it all again!!
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Throughout the process we felt completely at ease as she handled some of the most important details of planning for this special time. From her first recommendations of resorts and destinations to her help arranging travel for our closest family and friends we always felt grateful having Lia on our side. We highly recommend Lia Vincent and Palace Resorts for your destination wedding!
I am truly so grateful for you and all of your help! Le Blanc was amazing! NOTHING could have been better, except maybe the weather, but the staff, food, and service were above and beyond! We will definitely go back there!! Love, Love, Love you for all of your help - Can NOT thank you enough!!
Our Dream Wedding!
Lia was a phenomenal help from the beginning. She was referred to me by a friend, and I was incredibly thankful that we used her. When we started planning, we became overwhelmed with all of the information that is available.
We met with her for about 45 minutes one afternoon, took her pictures of spaces we had seen online and liked, and gave her a list of our "must-haves", a list of things that would be nice but didn't matter too much, and a list of things we absolutely did NOT want. She kind of thought about things for a minute, and then listed 3 resorts that fit every single one of our needs. She then ran sample pricing from EVERY location our guests would be traveling from so we could figure out what best fit our and our guests' travel budgets. After about a million more questions from me, we finally settled on her initial recommendation, the Beach Palace in Cancun. As we went through the process, any time I had a question, problem, or was just worried about something not being right, she was my go-to person. I'm not kidding, she would answer me in like, less than an hour 99% of the time. She even took my file home one weekend to give me more time to figure something out before she ran credit cards and got it booked. She was a Godsend!
My husband Cameron and I got married at the Cozumel Palace in June of 2014 and could not have been more happy with our experience. A destination wedding was definitely the way to go for us and Lia was a great asset in our planning.
Lia with Lia helped us plan our destination wedding in Riviera Maya, Mexico. We had a total of 11 people and she helped each of them set up their arrangements. From the beginning she was so helpful and always quick to respond. She made the entire process a breeze. She communicated with the wedding coordinator at the Riu Palace and made sure everything was just like we wanted. We did not have any issues at all, thanks to Lia and all of her thorough planning. Each of our guests bragged on her and said how easy it was to work with her. I would recommend Lia for all of your planning needs whether it be just a short vacation or a destination wedding. She knows what she is doing and will make sure all of your questions are answered and that you have the best vacation.
My husband and I got married in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico right off the beach. It was pure bliss, and everything I could have ever dreamed of! I may be biased, but destination weddings are certainly the way to go and thanks to our wonderful Travel Agent Lia Vincent at Vincent Vacations, we were able to find the perfect place! I had the opportunity to be able to edit the straight out of camera photos from my wedding! Here is a glimpse of our wedding day in paradise!
We had the most amazing time at our wedding. Our guests are still talking about what an amazing trip it was! Thank you for your help with organizing this unforgettable time for us, we cannot wait to put our pictures in our new frame!
Lia, thank you very much for all of your help with our PERFECT wedding vacation!
"It was beautiful! Everybody had a fantastic time!"
The staff was wonderful, the rooms were gorgeous, and the food was AMAZING! Our wedding could not have been more perfect and if you have any brides that want a beautiful wedding on a budget, The Excellence Punta Cana would be my number one recommendation. Emy and Livia were fantastic and everything was just PERFECT! Chris couldn't even believe how wonderful it was.
Thank you again for all of your help!!!
Our Dream Wedding!
As soon as Jimmy asked me to marry him, I knew we would want a destination wedding. We love to travel, and we love the beach, so there was no more perfect place to start our lives together than a beach in Mexico!
I am not the wedding planning type, and I knew that with a destination wedding, we could get someone else to plan the details for us. Luckily for me, my friend Lia at Vincent Vacations specializes in Destination Weddings. Lia had taken care of trips for us in the past, and I knew she was the perfect person to help me plan this trip. I was right! She helped me look through destinations, and we found the perfect spot: Dreams in Puerto Vallarta! The package came with a wedding planner, who took care of the details for me. 21 of our friends and family came with us, and everyone loved the resort. Our party ranged in age from 7 to 82, and everyone agreed it was an amazing trip. There were activities for the kids, and plenty of excursions for everyone to choose from. The staff was wonderful, and pampered us from the time we arrived. One of my bridesmaids had a broken foot and was on crutches, and was in a wheelchair some. The hotel staff assisted her anytime she needed it, including carrying her and her wheelchair up and down large flights of stairs. They were amazing! All the rooms are ocean front, with beautiful views. Jimmy and I stayed in the "Preferred" tower, and our room came with a great balcony with a hot tub! Most of our guests stayed in the other tower, but the resort is small enough, this was not a problem at all. They all loved their rooms as well. The wedding planner met with me in advance to work out the last minute details and timing. When our wedding day came, everything went perfectly. We got married on the beach right in front of the ocean. We had a sound system and a dj who played all the songs that we picked out in advance. My Dad is a minister, and he performed the service for us. We had 21 in our wedding party, but it felt like a much bigger wedding because lots of people watched the wedding. You could see people everywhere on their balconies watching, which made us feel like rock stars. We had a Mexican band that played a few songs after the wedding. The wedding came with a photographer and videographer who did amazing job! We took pictures right after the wedding, then we had dinner which also came with the wedding. We had steak and chicken which tasted great. Of course, I also asked them for chips and guacamole. (I love the guacamole in Mexico.) They were happy to oblige. They provided the wedding cake after which was amazing. After the wedding, my husband and I stayed for another 4 days, and it was paradise. I could not have asked for a more beautiful place to get married, or a less stressful way to do it. Thanks Lia and Vincent Vacations for making our special day an amazingly unforgettable experience!
Love the pictures one of our brides just shared from her elopement in Jamaica! Thank you for sharing with us! Did you know we book Destination weddings of all sizes? If it's just the 2 of you or a group of 250, give us a call!
This was the best and easiest decision we made about our entire wedding! Lia at All Inclusive Weddings is the absolute best, extremely intelligent, hard working, and so caring. She truly makes you feel like you are her only client throughout the entire process. We had about 120 people coming to our Cabo wedding and even had to switch resorts, visitors coming from all different states and even Europe. She was calm, and kept the bride and groom calm! Every detail was taken care of and it was made to be the most perfect wedding!
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work to arrange the hotel and transfers for Ashley and Robbie's wedding. It was perfect and everything that she had ever dreamed of! The resort was amazing! We had great food at all the restaurants. The staff went over the top to accommodate any needs that you could have had! Everyone felt safe and the beaches are beautiful. Since it's more private you don't get the crazy vendors walking the beach trying to sell you stuff. Our family loved it so much and we defiantly will be planning another vacation. You will be the first I call if we need help to organize something! Thank you again for everything
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We are a travel agency specializing in destination weddings, romance travel & experiences.