Visiting the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba

The donkey sanctuary is a straightforward, low-key stop where rescued donkeys roam large fenced pastures. You’ll walk along paths, buy feed to hand out, and get close to the animals—some are friendly and will come right up, others keep their distance. It’s more about quiet interaction than entertainment; kids usually enjoy it, adults often find it pleasant for 30-45 minutes. There’s also a small gift shop and adoption information if you want to support them. Expect a simple, dusty experience rather than a polished theme park.

Best time to visit is early morning during the dry season (January to April) when it’s cooler and the animals are more active. Avoid midday heat year-round—the donkeys seek shade and it gets uncomfortably hot for visitors. Expect to pay around $10–25 per person for basic entry and feed; guided half-day tours that combine it with other animal stops run $50–70 including transport.

Tip: Skip the guided tour if you have a rental car—it’s easy to reach independently and you can stay as long as you like. Do buy a bag of feed on arrival; it’s the only way to really engage with the donkeys. Bring water, sunscreen, and closed shoes—paths can be uneven and dusty.