In this article
What is the Donkey Sanctuary?
The Donkey Sanctuary on Bonaire is a refuge for the island's donkeys. The animals were once brought by colonists as beasts of burden and have lived in the wild ever since. They regularly get injured in traffic and in the dry landscape, or are left without a mother. The sanctuary takes in these animals, cares for them, and provides them with a permanent enclosure.
You drive your own car through the grounds, with the donkeys coming up to the car. For many visitors, especially children, this is the highlight of their visit. The sanctuary runs largely on donations and visitor entrance fees. Your visit therefore directly contributes to the care of the animals that roam there.
The grounds are larger than many visitors expect. You drive a loop of a few kilometers, with different areas where groups of animals are located along the way.
| Topic | What to expect | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| What to do | Drive your own car on the grounds | Creeping along, windows partially open |
| Duration | About an hour, depending on your pace | Good to combine with a drive through the south |
| Best for | Especially fun with children | A nice stop even without children |
| Feed | Only with what the shelter allows | Do not bring your own snacks for the animals. |
| Practical | Admission, opening hours, and rules vary | Check that in advance on their own website |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
How does a visit work?
You report to the entrance, pay the admission fee, and then drive onto the grounds yourself. There is a route over unpaved paths where the donkeys roam freely. The animals are used to cars and often come up to the window. Drive at a walking pace, keep your hands inside if a donkey gets too enthusiastic, and follow the instructions you receive at the entrance.
Admission prices, opening hours, and feeding rules may change, so check them with the shelter in advance. There are also young animals and animals that are kept separately because they are recovering. These areas are cordoned off, and for a reason: follow the indicated route.
At the entrance, you can usually find information about how the shelter operates and where the animals come from. Take some time for that, and you'll see more than just donkeys outside your window along the way.
Where do the donkeys come from?
Donkeys were brought to Bonaire centuries ago to work in salt production and transportation. When that work disappeared, the animals were left behind and became wild. Since then, they have lived scattered across the island, especially in the south and along the roads. You'll regularly encounter them along the way.
This also means they are regularly hit by vehicles. Driving calmly and not feeding them along the road helps to prevent this. On the island, you see them most often in the early morning and towards evening, when it's cooler. In the middle of the day, they usually stand still in the shade of a tree.
They have become part of the landscape, just like the iguanas and the wild goats. For many visitors, they are now as much a part of Bonaire as the salt pans. More about that landscape can be found in our guide to the salt pans and slave huts of Bonaire.
Is it fun with children?
For children, this is one of the most fun outings on the island. The animals come right up to the car, you're safely inside, and there's always something to see. Figure on about an hour. Most children will find it too hot for longer, especially in the middle of the day.
More ideas for families can be found in our guide to Bonaire with children. Prepare the camera before you drive onto the grounds. As soon as the animals are by the car, you usually don't have a free hand to look for anything anymore.
Combine it with a beach afternoon afterward. Childcare costs an hour, and after that, everyone will be ready to cool off. More locations can be found in our guide about the most beautiful beaches of Bonaire.
How do you treat the animals?
They remain semi-wild animals. They are curious and seek contact, but they can also push or bite if they smell food. Therefore, only feed them what the sanctuary allows, and do not give them anything from your own bag. Bread, chips, and fruit from the supermarket are not suitable for them.
Keep small children inside the car and do not let them out among the animals. Only open your window halfway. The animals like to stick their heads inside, and that's funny until someone in the back seat gets scared.
Stay calm if an animal leans against the car. Driving away or accelerating is exactly what you don't want with animals so close to the wheels.
How do you get there?
The sanctuary is located in the southeast of the island, about a half-hour drive from Kralendijk. You will need a car, as you will drive there yourself. Without a car, you cannot access it in the same way. A taxi or a tour with transportation would then be the only practical option, see our guide on Bonaire without a rental car.
Take a car that can handle some dust. The paths are unpaved and animals sometimes lean against the car. If you are driving a rental car, keep in mind that dust and occasional scratches are part of the experience. Check your rental agreement if you are particular about this.
Take the coastal route since you're heading that way anyway. You'll immediately pass a few snorkeling spots and can stop along the way.
Combine with a drive through the south
The accommodation is on the same side of the island as the salt pans, the slave huts, and Sorobon. So you can easily plan around it for half a day. If you'd rather join a tour and hear the stories, an island tour is an alternative. More about that can be found in our guide to the best island tours on Bonaire.
A logical order is to first visit the bird hides in the morning and then the salt pans, because the light there is more beautiful later in the day.
When is the best time?
The morning is the most pleasant. It is cooler then and the animals are more active than in the middle of the day, when they seek shade. Take the opening hours into account, as they can vary by season. Check them in advance, because you won't be able to easily go back there again.
More about months and weather is in our guide about the best time to visit Bonaire. On rainy days, the paths on the grounds are muddier. That's not a problem, but please drive extra slowly then.
During holiday periods, it's busiest in the morning with families. If you want more peace and quiet, come later in the morning or early in the afternoon.
What to bring
Cash for admission is useful, and water for on the go. Also bring sunscreen and a hat for when you are standing outside at the entrance. Do not bring your own food for the animals. What you give them must come from the sanctuary.
A complete list is in our guide on what to pack for Bonaire.
Is it worth it?
If you love animals or are traveling with children: definitely. It's one of the few places on Bonaire where you get so close to animals without it feeling forced. If you're primarily interested in the water and nature, it's a nice stopover but not a highlight of your trip. Plan it as part of a day in the south.
A complete overview of all options is in our guide on what to do on Bonaire. For adults without children, it's especially nice if you want to see how the island deals with its animals. The sanctuary is honest about where the animals come from and what's wrong with traffic.
If you're traveling with a group or friends, it's an easy outing that requires little planning. You get in the car, drive there, and are back within two hours.
Encountering donkeys outside the shelter
You'll also encounter donkeys off the property, especially along the roads in the south and inland. They sometimes stand right in the middle of the road. Drive slowly, especially at dusk, and don't honk to scare them away. They get startled and sometimes run in the wrong direction.
Do not feed them from the car. Animals that expect food from traffic will stay by the road and are at the greatest risk there. If you encounter one on the road, just wait a moment. They will move on by themselves, and that is safer than maneuvering around them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
How long does a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary take?
Count on about an hour, depending on how often you stop. It combines well with a drive through the south of the island.
Can you feed the donkeys?
Only with what the shelter itself allows and offers. Do not bring your own food, as it is not suitable for them.
Is the Donkey Sanctuary suitable for children?
Yes, it's one of the most fun outings with children on the island. They are safe in the car while the animals come to the window.
Do you need a car?
Yes, you drive yourself around the grounds. Without a car, a taxi or a tour with transportation is the only practical way to get there.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee and opening hours may change. Please check them in advance with the shelter itself, and have cash on hand.
Why are there so many donkeys on Bonaire?
They were introduced centuries ago as pack animals and went wild when that work disappeared. Since then, they have lived freely on the island, especially in the south.
Would you like a day through the south of Bonaire? Then check out which activities and excursions fit your trip.
Salt pans and slave huts on Bonaire: what do you see there?
Gotomeer Bonaire: Flamingos, Nature, and Route
Klein Bonaire or Sorobon: Which suits you better?
Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay: what you need to know?