Salinas, located at the westernmost tip of the Santa Elena peninsula, is considered the most important and modern resort in Ecuador. Known for its boardwalk, nightlife, and wide range of hotels and restaurants. It is a vibrant destination that attracts national and international tourists.
Features
Water temp.
23°C
Climate
Seco
Updated
2026-06-18
Gallery
Nearby points of interest
Malecón 0.0 kmSalinas Boardwalk
The Salinas Boardwalk is the tourist and social heart of the city, a long coastal strip bordering the Pacific and connecting the urban beaches of San Lorenzo and Chipipe. Built in its current form in 1994 and with regeneration works in 2023, this seaside promenade offers an ideal space for walking, outdoor sports, and boat rides. Its pier is the starting point for whale-watching excursions from June to September. Along the boardwalk, hotels, restaurants, and a small handicraft market offer typical coastal souvenirs. It's the place where the city beats strongest, especially at sunset when the light reflects on the sea and the atmosphere comes alive.
Marina 0.0 kmSalinas Boardwalk Pier
The tourist pier on the Salinas Boardwalk is a coastal icon that extends into the Pacific, offering a privileged view of the bay and the city skyline. It is the starting point for boat rides around the bay and humpback whale watching excursions from June to September. Its modern structure allows visitors to walk over the sea and enjoy the ocean breeze. It is one of the most photographed places in Salinas and a meeting point for locals and tourists seeking a maritime experience.
Compras 0.0 kmHandicraft Market by the Pier
Just steps from the tourist pier on the Salinas Boardwalk is a small handicraft market that serves as a meeting point for visitors and locals. This space houses colorful stalls offering handmade souvenirs: seashells, toquilla straw hats, t-shirts, tagua nut necklaces (known as 'vegetable ivory'), bracelets, wooden crafts, and other typical pieces of coastal culture. It is a simple but very authentic place, where you can breathe the local atmosphere and there is always something special to take home as a souvenir of the sea.
wildlife 0.2 kmLa Lobería
La Lobería is a protected natural area located within the Puntilla de Santa Elena Marine Coastal Wildlife Production Reserve, next to La Chocolatera. This space is home to a colony of sea lions that rest and breed on its rocks, offering visitors the unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat. The site has trails and viewpoints that allow you to appreciate the untouched beauty of the coastal landscape and spot various bird species such as frigatebirds, pelicans, and gulls. It is a place of relaxation and connection with nature, ideal for those seeking a peaceful and authentic experience away from the bustle of urban beaches. Its proximity to La Chocolatera makes it a must-see for wildlife lovers.
Mirador 0.4 kmLa Chocolatera
La Chocolatera is a natural viewpoint located at the westernmost tip of the Ecuadorian continental coast, within the Salinas Naval Base. Its name evokes the appearance of a cup of hot chocolate, produced by the steam, whirlpools, and the brown color of the algae that dye the water when waves crash forcefully against the cliffs. It is the most prominent point of the Santa Elena peninsula and is part of the Puntilla de Santa Elena Marine Coastal Wildlife Production Reserve. From its viewpoints, you get panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, where you can observe sea lions, coastal birds, and, in season, humpback whales. It is a place of great landscape and photographic value, ideal for nature lovers.
Nearby beaches
Puerto Santa Lucía
Santa Elena
Tourist complex with marina, residential area and Yacht Club, ideal for strolling and enjoying the maritime atmosphere.
🏖️ Playa 0.0 kmChipipe
Santa Elena
Tourist neighborhood with calm waters beach, ideal for families and enjoying the sun.
🏖️ Playa 0.0 kmMar Bravo
Santa Elena
Beach with strong waves, ideal for experienced surfers and adrenaline lovers.
San Lorenzo
Santa Elena
Beach with large waves for surfing, near the Salinas boardwalk.
🏖️ Playa 0.0 kmLa Chocolatera
Santa Elena
Spectacular viewpoint with chocolate-colored waters, ideal for photography and wildlife watching.
Punta Carnero
Santa Elena
Ideal for surfing all year round, with strong and consistent waves.
