Punta Centinela
| 🌊 Punta Centinela | |
|---|---|
| Type | Headland, beach and resort area |
| Location | Ruta del Spondylus, next to Punta Blanca, Santa Elena canton |
| Main feature | Royal Decameron Punta Centinela all-inclusive resort |
| Bus | Any Ruta del Spondylus bus from Terminal Sumpa |
Punta Centinela is a headland and beach on the Ruta del Spondylus, next to Punta Blanca, in Santa Elena canton. It is the northern end of Punta Blanca, toward Ayangue: a private residential community with a growing cluster of apartment towers, and the home of the Royal Decameron Punta Centinela — one of the larger all-inclusive resorts on the coast, about 11 km from Ballenita.
The headland
Like Punta Blanca and Punta Barandúa, Punta Centinela takes its name from a "punta" — a point on the coast. Its high ground gives wide views over the Pacific, and from June to September it is a good place to look out for passing humpback whales.
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 on the coast road (E-15) north of Ballenita, next to Punta Blanca. Any Ruta del Spondylus bus from Terminal Sumpa can drop you at the entrance — see Buses Along the Ruta del Spondylus.
See also
- Punta Blanca — next door
- Punta Barandúa — Coito surf break
- Capaes
- Ballenita
- Beaches
- Whale Watching (Ruta del Spondylus)