Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary
A reserve outside Kralendijk caring for the descendants of Bonaire's working donkeys.
Updated 3 September 2026
Donkeys were brought to Bonaire in the seventeenth century to carry salt and water, and when they were no longer needed they were let go, so a feral population lived on the island for generations. The sanctuary southeast of Kralendijk takes in injured and orphaned animals and now holds several hundred across a large fenced area, with a drive-through route where the donkeys come to the car.
The main sights
- The drive-through - the route through the enclosure where donkeys approach the car.
- The herd - several hundred animals across the fenced area.
- The quarantine and clinic - the areas for injured and newly arrived animals.
- The history - descendants of the donkeys brought to carry salt in the 1600s.
When to go
Year round. The sanctuary opens on set hours and closes mid-afternoon. Mornings are cooler for the animals and the drive.
Things to know
The donkeys crowd the car and will lean on it, which marks paintwork. Feeding is only with what the sanctuary sells. It is dusty and hot in the middle of the day.
Nearby
Kralendijk is northwest, and the salt pans are south.
What to pack for Bonaire Donkey Sanctuary
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
