A Day Trip to Money Heist’s Pelicano Island San Blas (2025)

A beautiful view of Pelicano Island in San Blas, Panama.

If you are a fan of La Casa de Papel, you know you have probably dreamt about where Tokyo and Rio escaped. Well, that place is actually real, and you can totally go there. Honestly, seeing it for myself was a top-tier life moment. It is sort of a funny thing that a TV show can introduce you to one of the most untouched spots on the planet. This review, you know, is all about my one-day adventure to the San Blas Islands to find that specific little slice of heaven: Pelicano Island. I mean, I’m here to give you the real story on what to expect for your own trip in 2025, basically from start to finish.

Getting There: The Morning Ride to Guna Yala

A 4x4 vehicle on the winding road to the San Blas Islands.

Your day really starts super early, like, way before the sun comes up. A 4×4 car picks you up from your spot in Panama City around 5 AM, which is honestly a bit of a shock to the system. The trip itself is pretty much an experience all on its own. As a matter of fact, you will spend a good two and a half hours in that car, climbing up roads that twist and turn through a thick, green jungle. Frankly, some people feel a little motion sick, so you might want to prepare for that. At some point, you get to a border which is actually the entry to the Guna Yala territory, an independent region within Panama. You’ll need your passport here, so okay, definitely do not forget it. The Guna people check everyone coming in, and it’s a very real reminder that you are a visitor in their home, you know. Finally, you get to a small, energetic port where dozens of small boats are just waiting.

The Boat and Finding Your Sea Legs

A small panga boat zipping across the turquoise waters of San Blas.

So, from the port, you climb into a motorized canoe called a “panga”. I mean, these boats are basically the main way to get around the 365 islands of the San Blas archipelago. The ride is just a little bumpy and you will absolutely get sprayed by the warm Caribbean water. By the way, this part of the day is incredibly stunning. You will see so many tiny islands, just like little dots of white sand and green palms, that pop up out of water so clear it seems unreal. Your boat captain, usually a Guna local, knows these waters like the back of his hand. It’s almost a 40-minute ride to the main group of islands where people usually visit. As I was saying, it’s not just about getting to one place; the boat ride is a whole tour in and of itself, and it is honestly spectacular.

Pelicano Island: Your Money Heist Dream Come True

The iconic thatched-roof hut on Pelicano Island from Money Heist.

And then, you finally see it. Pelicano Island, or as some people call it now, Casa de Papel Island, is sort of small and totally picture-perfect. Seriously, it looks exactly like it does on the show. You will more or less feel like you have walked straight onto the set. The sand is incredibly white and soft, and the water is a shade of blue that you pretty much thought only existed with photo filters.

“I honestly just stood there for a few minutes. It felt so familiar, you know? Like I’d been there before. The palm trees, the single hut… it was actually surreal to see it with my own eyes.”

You’ll have a few hours here. It’s the kind of spot where doing nothing is the main activity. You can, of course, swim in the calm, bath-warm water. We grabbed some of the snorkeling gear offered by our tour and saw some really colorful fish just off the shore. Basically, most people just find a palm tree for shade, lay down a towel, and just soak in the feeling of being completely disconnected. Lunch is usually served on another nearby island, which is typically fresh fish or chicken with rice and salad, and it’s quite a simple but tasty meal. This stop is definitely the main point of the whole day trip for many visitors.

Learning About the Guna People

A Guna woman displaying colorful handmade Molas.

Something that is very important is that the San Blas Islands are the home of the Guna people. To be honest, they manage everything in their territory, and that includes the tourism. The families on the islands are the ones who run the tours, pilot the boats, and cook your meals. Anyway, it’s a really special chance to see a unique way of life. The Guna have their own language, government, and deep-rooted customs. You’ll very likely see Guna women wearing their amazing outfits and “winis,” which are beads wrapped tightly around their arms and legs. They also make these world-famous textile art pieces called molas. You will almost certainly have a chance to buy one directly from the person who made it, and it’s a genuinely wonderful souvenir that helps their community directly. So, your visit provides really needed income that allows them to preserve their traditions.

What to Pack and A Few Practical Tips

Essential items for a beach day trip laid out.

Okay, planning for this day trip is key to having a great time. These islands are, you know, rustic. In other words, you will not find luxury services here. So, it’s all about going with the flow and being prepared. Here is just a quick list of what you should probably bring with you:

Your Passport: You literally cannot enter the Guna Yala territory without it. So, do not leave it at your hotel.
Cash: Actually, bring small bills. You will need it for the Guna territory entrance fee, the port tax, and for any drinks, snacks, or souvenirs you want to buy, like a beautiful mola. There are obviously no ATMs here.
Sun Protection: I mean, a strong, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are absolutely necessary. The sun is incredibly powerful out on the water.
Water and Snacks: Your tour typically includes lunch and a drink, but as a matter of fact, it’s a long day. So, having extra water and some snacks is a very good idea.
Waterproof Bag: Your stuff will definitely get wet on the boat. A dry bag is pretty much a lifesaver for your phone, camera, and anything else you want to keep from getting soaked.
Towel and Change of Clothes: This is a pretty obvious one for a day spent swimming and on a boat.

Also, just be ready for a simple setup. The bathrooms are very basic, and things might not run on a super strict schedule. Instead, the whole point is to kind of relax, disconnect from the regular world, and just appreciate a really amazing and natural place. It’s all part of the charm, frankly.

Key Takeaways for Your Trip

The day starts very early (around 5 AM pickup) and involves a long but scenic drive in a 4×4.
You absolutely need your physical passport to enter the autonomous Guna Yala territory.
The experience is wonderfully rustic; do not expect luxury amenities. It is part of the adventure.
Pelicano Island really does look just like it did in Money Heist, making it a fantastic stop for fans.
Your visit directly supports the Guna community, who are the stewards of these beautiful islands.
Pack smart: bring cash, a passport, sun protection, and a waterproof bag.

Read our full review: Day Trip To Pelicano Island Full Review and Details

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