Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
A heartwarming sanctuary caring for over 800 rescued donkeys, offering a unique drive-through experience and a chance to feed these gentle animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, active donkeys
Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
Best Time
Cooler temps, active donkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A heartwarming sanctuary caring for over 800 rescued donkeys, offering a unique drive-through experience and a chance to feed these gentle animals.
"This is such an enjoyable way to spend an hour in Bonaire! You can drive through and see 800+ donkeys!"
🚗 Bring or Buy Carrots
Donkeys love carrots! They'll happily poke their heads into your car for a treat.
💰 Support the Mission
Consider donating or adopting a donkey; every bit helps these rescued animals.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Through Safari
Sanctuary grounds
Cruise through acres of free-roaming donkeys; they might even peek into your car!
Feeding Time Fun
Designated petting areas
Get up close and personal, petting and feeding these gentle creatures. Bring carrots!
Support a Noble Cause
Gift shop and donation center
Your visit and purchases directly contribute to the care of over 800 rescued donkeys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Donkey Sanctuary
Best Time for Interaction
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Bring or Buy Carrots
Donkeys love carrots! They'll happily poke their heads into your car for a treat.
💰 Support the Mission
Consider donating or adopting a donkey; every bit helps these rescued animals.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You can easily spend more than an hour here, especially if you bring food for the donkeys.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture adorable moments as donkeys interact with visitors and their vehicles.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Bring or Buy Carrots
Donkeys love carrots! They'll happily poke their heads into your car for a treat.
💰 Support the Mission
Consider donating or adopting a donkey; every bit helps these rescued animals.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You can easily spend more than an hour here, especially if you bring food for the donkeys.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture adorable moments as donkeys interact with visitors and their vehicles.
🚗 Drive Slowly & Safely
Take your time driving through the sanctuary to enjoy the donkeys and ensure safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire as a unique and heartwarming experience, highlighting the joy of interacting with and feeding the numerous rescued donkeys. While the mission is widely praised, some guests noted that the main staff could be friendlier, though helpers often compensate with kindness. It's considered a must-do for animal lovers and a meaningful way to support conservation efforts on the island.
"This is a wonderful place to visit. The Donkeys are very sweet and you can tell the entire staff loves them.
The tour is a bit interesting because all the donkeys come see you.
The gift shop is very reasonable and you don’t feel like you’re getting hassled to donate or buy anything.
A must to understand part of Bonaire, and enjoy something a little different than the usual."
Aram Duell
"The Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary is a meaningful place that provides care for rescued donkeys, but the experience can feel a bit mixed. The main staff isn’t very friendly, which can affect the visit, though the helper or OJT more than makes up for it with kindness and helpful assistance. The sanctuary itself is worth visiting for its mission and the chance to see and support the animals."
Ezekiel Geronga
"This is such an enjoyable way to spend an hour in Bonaire! It cost $9/person and you can drive through the huge park and see the 800+ donkeys! It takes about 1 hour to slowly drive through the sanctuary, but you could easily spend more time here if you brought or bought food for the donkeys. You can get out of the car to pet and feed the donkeys too. The more energetic/ornery donkeys are in a separate area, so we felt very comfortable driving with our windows down and even getting out of the car with our 6-month old daughter. The donkeys were very calm - we loved every moment of this experience!"
Renee Corbett Reddig
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is located inland from Kralendijk. Most visitors access it by car, as it's a drive-through experience. Rental cars are common on Bonaire, and taxis can also be arranged.
Yes, it's a popular afternoon activity for cruise ship passengers looking for something different near the port.
The sanctuary is typically found by heading inland from the coast. It's advisable to use GPS or a map app, as signage can be minimal.
While a car is ideal for the drive-through experience, you might be able to arrange a taxi or tour that includes a stop at the sanctuary.
Parking is generally not an issue as the primary experience is driving through the sanctuary. There are areas to stop and interact.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $9 per person, which is a reasonable fee for the experience and supports the sanctuary's mission.
Advance booking is usually not required. You can typically pay upon arrival.
The sanctuary is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
No, the sanctuary is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Even infants can enjoy the experience safely.
Yes, you can get out of your car in designated areas to pet and feed the donkeys, especially in the petting zones.
📸 📸 Photography & Interaction
The donkeys are very curious and will often approach your car. Offering them carrots is a great way to engage them. You can also pet them in designated areas.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for photos, with donkeys often coming right up to your vehicle.
Yes, the donkeys are generally calm and well-behaved, especially in the main drive-through areas. The sanctuary ensures a safe environment for visitors.
Carrots are the preferred treat. You can bring your own or purchase them at the sanctuary.
Yes, the sanctuary provides information about the history of donkeys on Bonaire and their rescue efforts.
🎫 💰 Support & Donations
You can support the sanctuary by visiting, purchasing items from the gift shop, donating directly, or even adopting a donkey.
Donations help cover the costs of food, veterinary care, and the overall well-being of the rescued donkeys.
The gift shop is considered very reasonable, offering a good selection of themed items without pressure to buy.
Yes, the sanctuary offers a donkey adoption program, allowing you to support a specific donkey's care.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, supporting the sanctuary through visits and donations is highly encouraged.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The drive-through aspect makes it easy and safe, even for the youngest travelers, as the donkeys are accustomed to vehicles and generally very gentle. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to animal welfare and the importance of rescue efforts. The gift shop offers affordable souvenirs, and the overall experience is both fun and educational, providing a welcome break from beach or diving activities.
🚗 Cruise Ship Day-Trippers
Consider arranging a taxi or a small group tour that includes the sanctuary. Bringing carrots is a great tip to make the most of your visit and get those memorable photos before heading back to your ship.
❤️ Animal Lovers & Supporters
Beyond the interaction, visiting here is a direct way to support a vital cause. The staff's dedication is evident, and your contribution, whether through admission fees or donations, makes a real difference in the lives of these animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mission of the Donkey Sanctuary
+1Recognizing this need, a Dutch couple founded the sanctuary to provide a safe haven for these animals. Today, it cares for over 800 donkeys, offering them food, shelter, and medical attention. The sanctuary also assists wild donkeys in emergency situations, such as accidents.
Visiting the sanctuary directly supports this crucial mission. Your entrance fee and any purchases from the gift shop contribute to the ongoing care and well-being of these rescued creatures, ensuring they live a life they deserve.
An Interactive Experience with the Donkeys
+2For an even more engaging visit, bringing or purchasing carrots is highly recommended. The donkeys are particularly drawn to this treat, leading to delightful interactions and fantastic photo opportunities. Visitors can also get out of their cars in designated areas to pet and feed the donkeys, creating memorable moments.
Safety is a priority, and the sanctuary ensures a comfortable experience. The more energetic donkeys are kept in separate areas, and the main drive-through is designed to be safe even with windows down or when briefly exiting the vehicle. This makes it a perfect outing for families, including those with young children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit