An Ecuadorian marine-coastal reserve where humpback whales, sea lions, and arid coastal wildlife converge on the Santa Elena peninsula.
Reserva de Producción de Fauna Marino Costera Puntilla Santa Elena
The Reserva de Producción de Fauna Marino Costera Puntilla Santa Elena, commonly known by its acronym REMACOPSE, is a protected area on the western coast of Ecuador. It lies within the Litoral region, in the province of Santa Elena, in and around the coastal city of Salinas and the rocky peninsula historically known as La Chocolatera. The reserve is classified as a marine-coastal fauna production reserve, a category that reflects its dual role as both a wildlife sanctuary and a managed natural area where native fauna can be protected and studied.
The reserve's territory is overwhelmingly marine, with roughly 52,231 hectares of ocean and about 203 hectares of land, giving it a strongly oceanic character compared with most terrestrial parks in the country. Its waters are home to a remarkably diverse community of marine mammals, including two species of sea lions, seven species of whales, and seven species of dolphins, with humpback whales being a particularly emblematic presence. On land, the surrounding arid coastal vegetation supports reptiles, small mammals, and around 80 species of native plants typical of Ecuador's dry coastal ecosystems.
In addition to its biological importance, the reserve has strong regional identity. It shares territory with the well-known viewpoint of La Chocolatera, one of the most popular scenic spots on the Ecuadorian coast, and forms part of the broader natural heritage of the Santa Elena peninsula. The combination of marine megafauna, arid coastal habitats, and accessible coastline makes it a meaningful protected area for both conservation and public engagement with Ecuador's Pacific ocean wildlife.
