View source for Punta Centinela

{{Infobox
| title  = 🌊 Punta Centinela
| label1 = Type
| data1  = Headland and beach resort area
| label2 = Location
| data2  = South coast of Salinas canton, Santa Elena Province
| label3 = Main feature
| data3  = Royal Decameron Punta Centinela all-inclusive resort
| label4 = Water conditions
| data4  = Open Pacific; rough; not for casual swimming
}}

ECUAWIKI › THE PENINSULA › SALINAS

'''Punta Centinela''' is a headland and coastal area on the south-facing Pacific coast of the Salinas canton, adjacent to [[Punta Carnero]]. The area is best known as the location of the '''[[Royal Decameron Punta Centinela]]''' resort — one of the larger all-inclusive hotel complexes on the Santa Elena Peninsula.

== The Headland ==

Punta Centinela occupies an elevated coastal position with panoramic views of the open Pacific. The headland and surrounding coast face the full force of the Pacific swell — conditions here are rough and there is no protected bay. The area is part of the [[REMACOPSE|Reserva de Producción Faunística Marino Costera Puntilla de Santa Elena]] protection zone.

The elevated vantage point makes it useful for whale watching during the June–September season, when humpback whales pass through these waters.

== Royal Decameron Punta Centinela ==

The '''Royal Decameron Punta Centinela''' is an all-inclusive resort complex dominating the immediate area. It caters primarily to domestic tourism from Guayaquil and Quito, offering beach access, pools, food, and entertainment in a self-contained package. The resort sits at the headland and has access to both cliff-top views and the beach below.

Day passes (for non-guests to use the facilities) are sometimes available — check with the resort directly.

== Getting There ==

Punta Centinela is accessible by road from Salinas, approximately 12–15 km south. Taxi from Salinas: approximately $10–15. There is no scheduled bus service to the headland itself.

== See Also ==
* [[Punta Carnero]] — adjacent headland
* [[Mar Bravo]] — nearby wild beach
* [[REMACOPSE]] — marine protected area
* [[Salinas]] — canton guide
* [[Whale Watching (La Peninsula)]]

[[Category:Beaches]]
[[Category:Salinas]]
[[Category:La Peninsula]]