Swimming Pigs and Sharks in the Exumas, Bahamas

This was one of our most exciting travel days. Our yacht captain took us first to the Washing Machine, a natural lazy river that swirls around Shroud Cay among sea turtles and stingrays, with currents strong enough to feel like they want to carry you out to sea.

At Compass Cay we swam in the middle of a feeding with dozens of hungry sharks. They posed little risk, but watching them circle our kids was nerve-racking, and feeling their rough skin brush past was unforgettable. Then came Pig Island, just days after a litter of tiny piglets arrived. Some pigs were sweet; others stole our food and tried to strand us on the beach.