By Ramiro Del Rio
Pelícano Island: The Island from *Money Heist* in San Blas
There’s an island in San Blas that you may have already seen on Netflix without realizing it. Pelícano Island gained international fame when scenes from “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist) were filmed in the archipelago—and its palm tree leaning over the water and the half-sunken boat on the shore have become an iconic sight photographed by thousands of visitors.
Why It’s Famous
In the series, the Professor and his crew celebrate on a paradise island—and that real-life setting is San Blas. Pelícano Island was one of the most recognizable locations: small, virtually uninhabited, and the perfect “Caribbean desert island” postcard scene the production team was looking for. Since then, the photo with the leaning palm tree has been one of the most requested in the archipelago.
What You’ll Actually Find
Beyond its connection to the series, Pelícano Island is a small, peaceful island: white sand, shallow waters ideal for swimming, and very few buildings. It’s the deserted island experience most people imagine when they think of San Blas—you can walk the entire island in a few minutes, and the rest of the time is spent on the beach, snorkeling, and taking photos.
How to Get There
Isla Pelícano is visited from Panama City as part of day trips. Our Money Heist Tour features it as a highlight of the itinerary, along with other islands and the Natural Pool. The route is the same for all tours: 4x4 to the port of Cartí and a boat ride between the islands.
Tip for Your Visit
If your main goal is to get that photo of the palm tree and the boat, go early: in the morning, the island is less crowded and the light is better. And make sure your tour includes Pelícano Island in the itinerary—San Blas has more than 365 islands, and not all tours visit the same ones.
Combine it with other islands
Most travelers combine Pelícano Island with the Natural Pool and an island for lunch. If you want to see the archipelago’s most photogenic spots in a single day, check out island hopping as well.
Are you a fan of the show or just of the Caribbean? Book the Money Heist Tour with a deposit and pay the rest on the day of the tour.
Frequently asked questions
Was Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) filmed in San Blas? Yes. Scenes from “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist) were filmed in the archipelago: the paradise island where the Professor and his crew celebrate is San Blas, and Isla Pelícano was one of the most recognizable locations.
What is there to do on Isla Pelícano? Isla Pelícano is a small, peaceful island with white sand, shallow waters ideal for swimming, and very few buildings. You can walk the entire island in a few minutes and spend the rest of the time on the beach, snorkeling, and taking photos.
How do you get to Isla Pelícano from Panama City? Isla Pelícano is visited on day trips from Panama City: a 4x4 to the port of Cartí, then a boat ride between the islands. The Money Heist Tour features it as a highlight of the itinerary, along with other islands and the Piscina Natural.
When is the best time to photograph the leaning palm tree on Isla Pelícano? In the morning: go early, when the island is less crowded and the light is better. Also make sure your tour includes Isla Pelícano, because not all San Blas tours visit the same islands.