Donkey Sanctuary Aruba — Attraction in Aruba

If you’re in Aruba and looking for a truly unique and heartwarming experience, the Donkey Sanctuary is an absolute must-visit! This magical place is more than just a sanctuary; it’s a haven for these gentle, loving creatures, and the dedication of the staff and volunteers is nothing short of inspiring.

The sanctuary rescues, cares for, and provides a forever home to donkeys who would otherwise struggle to survive. Many of these donkeys were once roaming the island, vulnerable to accidents and illness, but thanks to the sanctuary’s unwavering efforts, they now live happy, healthy lives in a safe environment. It’s incredible to see how much love and attention they pour into these animals!

What makes the experience even more special is how interactive it is. Visitors are encouraged to feed, pet, and connect with the donkeys, who are unbelievably sweet and friendly. They’re curious, affectionate, and seem genuinely happy to meet every guest. It’s a joy to witness their playful personalities up close!

The sanctuary is also deeply committed to education and sustainability. They do a fantastic job teaching visitors about the history of donkeys on the island and the importance of their mission. The facility itself is clean and well-maintained, and the volunteers’ passion shines through every aspect of the operation.

Knowing that your visit helps support their incredible work is just the icing on the cake. They rely heavily on donations, and every dollar goes directly toward feeding, sheltering, and caring for the donkeys.

This isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a feel-good experience that leaves a lasting impression. Seeing these beautiful creatures thriving thanks to the kindness of strangers is a reminder of the good in the world. I left with a full heart, a new appreciation for donkeys, and a commitment to support their mission in any way I can.

If you’re an animal lover or just someone looking for a meaningful way to spend a few hours in Aruba, I cannot recommend the Donkey Sanctuary enough. It’s a place of compassion, kindness, and connection that will stay with you long...

Absolutely charming! The donkey rescue is free to enter! However a donation is greatly appreciated!!

Donkeys, chickens, peacocks and several lazy cuddly kitties everywhere! An animal lovers paradise!!!

Walk along a rustic path to an even more rustic barn to be greeted by two sweet women who were happy to give us the rundown… told us where to feed the donkeys ($1 donation for a small bucket and $3 donation for the larger bucket)

The donkeys are so funny and you can immediately pick out the sassy ones and the demure ones. They each have their own personality and know people equal scratches and snacks!

We had a lot of fun petting and feeding the donkeys! Grabbed a couple souvenirs from the small gift shop. They also had ice cream, snacks and a small selection of drinks available for sale. Bathrooms on site (got to share the stall with one if adorable super friendly cats that just napped while I did my thing)

I wore sandals but would have been more comfortable in close toed shoes for the experience

VERY expensive cab ride since it’s way off the beaten path. So make sure to plan for that if that is how you are getting around Aruba.

Definitely go see the donkeys and make a donation to keep the rescue operating...

The Donkey Sanctuary: A Heartwarming Experience

Don’t forget your carrots! You can grab a massive bag for less than $10 USD at Super Foods, and trust us, the donkeys will love you for it. We also brought peanuts, which they happily enjoyed.

The sanctuary itself is such a peaceful and welcoming place. The donkeys are incredibly sweet and gentle, each with its own personality, and it’s clear they are well cared for. The staff and caretakers are just as wonderful—friendly, informative, and clearly passionate about the animals.

We didn’t plan our visit very well and arrived 20 minutes before closing, just as the donkeys were being fed for the day. Despite this, we still had time to connect with them and appreciate their charm. We even got to see the stunning white and turquoise peafowl, a delightful surprise that added to the experience.

This sanctuary is a must-visit if you’re in the area. It’s not only a chance to meet these lovely animals but also an opportunity to support a great cause. Next time, we’ll plan for more time so we can really...