Donkey Sanctuary Tour Bonaire: Feed & Meet Rescued Donkeys

Donkeys regularly stick their noses through the car window to say hello.

A guided tour of Bonaire's Donkey Sanctuary, a rescue habitat where you interact with donkeys throughout the visit, explore the Special Care Unit where distressed animals recover, see tortoises and iguanas in the garden, and climb the watchtower for views across the sanctuary. The tour runs 90 minutes with pickup from your cruise ship or hotel included. Admission and a local appreciation drink are part of the price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Donkey Sanctuary Tour and Downtown Visit

• Meet guide at cruise ship or reception
• Learn about downtown Kralendijk
• Visit Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire
• Feed donkeys with purchased carrots
• Explore Special Care Unit
• Visit garden with plants and animals
• Climb watchtower for sanctuary view
• Enjoy drink on terrace spotting flamingos
• Return drive with Q&A about island
• Optionally walk or shop downtown

The experience

If you're arriving by cruise ship or have a free afternoon at your hotel, this tour picks you up 15 minutes before the start time and brings you back to the ship at least an hour before departure. Your guide (a long-time Bonaire resident who speaks English, Spanish or Dutch) meets cruise passengers at the ship exit gate with a sign bearing your name, then drives you in a small van, car or pickup (depending on group size, up to seven people per vehicle) to the sanctuary itself.

The sanctuary exists to rescue donkeys needing extra care, food and water. As you drive through, the donkeys approach the vehicle regularly, often putting their noses through the car window. You can purchase carrots at the sanctuary to feed them, or bring your own vegetables or fruit pieces if you prefer. Beyond the animals themselves, you'll visit the Special Care Unit (an area where staff rehabilitate distressed donkeys back to health), and walk through a garden planted with local species where you'll also spot tortoises and iguanas. Climbing the watchtower gives you a view of the entire sanctuary and a chance for photos.

The tour ends on the terrace with a refreshing drink while you watch pink flamingos over the salt lake. On the drive back, your guide shares more about the island and can drop you downtown in Kralendijk if you want to explore the main street (Kaya Grandi) before returning to your ship or hotel. The whole experience takes 90 minutes.

What’s included

• Guided tour with an experienced local guide fluent in English, Spanish or Dutch.
• pickup from your cruise ship or hotel and return transportation.
• admission to the Donkey Sanctuary.
• a refreshing drink on the terrace after the tour.
• travel in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with working seatbelts.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:30

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by Shekhinah Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared small-group tour (up to seven people per vehicle) led by a local guide, so you experience the sanctuary with others and learn from someone who knows the island well. It suits cruise passengers and hotel guests who want a structured half-hour outing with pickup and guaranteed return timing, and anyone curious about how the sanctuary rescues and cares for Bonaire's donkeys.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

Can I feed the donkeys myself on this tour?

Yes. You can purchase carrots at the sanctuary to feed them, or bring your own vegetables or fruit pieces. The donkeys interact with visitors throughout the drive and visit, often approaching the car window.

What else is there to see besides the donkeys?

The Special Care Unit shows how the sanctuary rehabilitates distressed donkeys. The garden holds local plants, tortoises, and iguanas. The watchtower offers views across the entire sanctuary and good photo opportunities. The tour ends on the terrace overlooking the salt lake, where pink flamingos are often visible.

How does pickup work if I'm on a cruise ship?

Your guide meets you at the cruise ship exit gate with a sign bearing your name, 15 minutes before your tour starts. Stay at the gate if you don't see your guide. They will look for you. The operator guarantees to have you back to the ship at least one hour before departure.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all physical fitness levels. You travel by small van, car or pickup depending on group size, and spend time at the sanctuary, garden, watchtower and terrace.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and dress comfortably for warm, sunny and humid weather. A camera is recommended. You may also bring vegetables or fruit pieces to feed the donkeys if you wish.