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Out of everything we did in Bonaire, visiting Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire was one of the biggest surprises of our trip.
We added it to our 7-day Bonaire itinerary, expecting it to be a relatively quick stop while exploring southern Bonaire.
Instead, we ended up spending around 3 hours here, laughing, meeting lots of curious donkeys, taking an unreasonable number of donkey selfies, and learning about the work being done to care for the island’s rescued donkeys.
I visited with my boyfriend, Tim, our friends Courtney and John, and their daughter, and it was such a fun experience for all of us!
If you’re an animal lover, traveling with kids, or looking for something different to do beyond Bonaire’s beaches and snorkeling spots, here’s what to know before visiting, including what to expect, how long to allow, admission prices, opening hours, and practical tips to help you plan your own visit to Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire.
What Is Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire?
Founded in 1993 by Marina Melis and Ed Koopman, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and caring for donkeys on the island.
Donkeys have long been part of Bonaire’s landscape, but life on the island can be dangerous for them. Without proper care, they can end up hungry, injured, or wandering near roads where they risk being hit by vehicles.
The sanctuary provides a safe home for more than 800 donkeys, including those that are sick, injured, orphaned, or otherwise in need of care.
During our visit, we had the chance to meet the sanctuary’s founder, who shared more about the sanctuary’s mission and the work that goes into caring for these animals.
I don’t remember every detail of our conversation, but her story almost brought me to tears, and her dedication to the cause really stuck with me.
It was clear that Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is much more than a place where visitors can spend time with donkeys. It provides a safe home for these animals to live, with food, attention, and care, while also raising awareness about donkey welfare.
And, it was a great reminder that there are people doing incredible work to protect animals that might otherwise be overlooked.
Why We Loved Visiting Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
We visited Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire on the last full day of our 7-day trip, while exploring the southern part of the island.
I expected it to be a fun little stop along the way, but it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of our vacation.
One of the best parts was how interactive the visit felt. Rather than simply looking at animals from a distance, donkeys came right up to our vehicle, poking their heads toward the windows, and giving us plenty of photo opportunities.
Naturally, we took advantage of that, and donkey selfies are officially my new favorite thing!
Our friends’ toddler was especially excited to see the animals up close. Watching her interact with the donkeys definitely added another fun element to our visit.
👉 If you’re planning your own trip, check out my Bonaire travel guide for more ideas on what to see and do around the island, Bonaire-specific travel tips, and more.
What to Expect at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
One of the best things about visiting Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is that there’s more to do than simply drive around and look at donkeys.
You can observe the animals up close, see younger donkeys playing, explore the grounds, and climb the watchtower for a different view of the island.
Meet the donkeys up close
Exploring the sanctuary felt a bit like visiting a giant drive-through petting zoo.
We could stop in different areas, get out of the van where permitted, and interact with the donkeys.
Some even came right up to our vehicle, giving us a chance to see just how curious and personable they can be.
Though we didn’t do this, you can also purchase approved food at the entrance to feed the donkeys. Just be sure to follow the sanctuary’s instructions about what the animals can eat and how to feed them safely.
Climb the Watchtower
Make time to climb the watchtower during your visit, too.
From the top, you can take in views across Bonaire and get a different perspective on the surrounding landscape.
During our visit, we coincidentally saw a family feeding the donkeys from the bed of their truck here, which was very entertaining.
Look Out for Baby Donkeys and Other Animals
The sanctuary isn’t just about driving around and meeting donkeys through your vehicle windows.
During our visit, we saw baby donkeys playing, a donkey brushing itself, an iguana darting into a barn, flamingos feeding, and a tortoise basking in the sun.
The sanctuary also has areas for donkeys that need additional care, including mothers with foals, orphaned young donkeys, and animals recovering from health issues.
If you’re visiting with children, this variety can be a real plus. There’s more to look at than you might expect when you first arrive.
Don’t forget the gift shop!
Before leaving, take a look at the gift shop and terrace. There are also bathrooms here.
We definitely couldn’t leave without some souvenirs, especially since proceeds from purchases at the gift shop go directly towards donkey care and operations at the sanctuary.
We left feeling happy we’d visited, grateful that organizations like this exist, and even more grateful that we were able to contribute to the cause through our visit.
How Long Do You Need at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire?
I’d plan to spend around 2–3 hours at Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire.
We stayed for about 3 hours and could easily have stayed longer—there was always another donkey to meet and interact with!—but we were getting hungry and wanted to continue exploring southern Bonaire.
The time can pass quickly when you’re stopping for photos, watching the donkeys, exploring the grounds, and climbing the watchtower.
If you’re visiting with kids or really love animals, you may want to leave yourself some extra time rather than squeezing the sanctuary into a rushed schedule.
Because it’s in the south of the island, you can also make it part of a larger day of sightseeing.
Depending on your route and how much time you have, other stops to consider include the Salt Flats and Salt Pier, the Slave Huts, Willemstoren Lighthouse, and Sorobon Beach near Lac Bay.
👉 We stayed at Harbour Village Beach Club and visited the sanctuary as our first stop on a day exploring southern Bonaire. If you’re planning a week on the island, check out my 7-day Bonaire itinerary for more ideas on how to organize your time.
Hours, Admission & Visitor Tips
A little planning will help you make the most of your visit. Here’s what to know before you go.
Hours and Admission
According to the sanctuary’s published visitor information:
- Opening hours: Daily, 10 am–4 pm
- Last entry: 3 pm
- Adult admission: $9
- Children aged 12 and under: $4.50
- Reservations: Not required; tickets are available at the entrance
The sanctuary also offers a donkey adoption program with visitor benefits. Since opening hours, prices, and visitor policies can change, I recommend checking the official Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire website before your visit.
Location and getting there
Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire is located at 77 Kaya IR. Randolph Statius van Eps, Kralendijk.
You can explore the sanctuary by car, scooter, golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Quad bikes are not permitted.
We rented a van at the airport and drove to the sanctuary from Harbour Village Beach Club. It worked well as the first stop on our southern Bonaire sightseeing day.
👉 If you plan to visit several spots around the island, having a rental vehicle can make getting around more convenient. You can compare rental car options in Bonaire with Discover Cars.
Feeding and interacting with the donkeys
If you’d like to feed the donkeys, you’ll need to stick to the food approved by the sanctuary. You can purchase some at the entrance.
During our visit, we also saw a donkey that appeared to be in distress, with several other donkeys gathered around her. We contacted the office so staff could come and check on the situation.
It was a reminder that, although visitors can have a fun and hands-on experience here, the sanctuary is first and foremost a place where the animals’ welfare matters.
If you’re interested in supporting the sanctuary beyond your visit, you can also look into its adoption program. It’s a meaningful way to contribute to the care of the donkeys, even if you can’t take one home!
A few other tips for your visit
- Allow enough time. Two to three hours is a good starting point, especially if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.
- Bring your camera. The donkeys can come surprisingly close to your vehicle, and you’ll likely want lots of photos.
- Keep an eye on children. Stay with younger visitors and follow the sanctuary’s rules around the animals.
- Follow feeding instructions. Only offer food the sanctuary approves, and respect staff guidance.
- Check current visitor information. Confirm admission prices, hours, and any special rules on the official Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire website before you set off.
Is Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire was one of our favorite stops on the island.
We loved getting up close to the donkeys, spotting the other animals around the grounds, and taking in the views from the watchtower. Learning more about the sanctuary’s mission made the experience even more meaningful.
I’d recommend it to animal lovers, families, and anyone looking to experience a different side of Bonaire beyond its beaches and snorkeling spots. Just give yourself enough time to enjoy it properly.
And, don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favorite stops, too!
👉 Planning your trip? Check out my 7-day Bonaire Itinerary and guide to the Best Things to Do in Bonaire for more ideas.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!