Isla Pelícano: The La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) Island in San Blas
There’s an island in San Blas you may have already seen on Netflix without knowing it. Isla Pelícano 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 its shore became an icon 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. Isla Pelícano was one of the most recognizable locations: small, practically uninhabited, with exactly the “deserted Caribbean island” postcard look the production was after. Ever since, the photo with the curved palm tree has been one of the most requested in the archipelago.
What you’ll actually find
Beyond the series name, Isla Pelícano is a small, peaceful island: white sand, shallow waters perfect for swimming, and very few buildings. It’s the deserted-island experience most people picture when they think of San Blas — you can walk the whole island in a few minutes, and the rest of the time is beach, easy snorkeling and photos.
How to get there
Isla Pelícano is visited from Panama City as part of day tours. Our La Casa de Papel Tour makes it the star of the itinerary, along with other islands and the Natural Pool. The journey is the same as for every tour: 4x4 to the port of Cartí and speedboat between the islands.
A tip for your visit
If your main goal is the photo of the palm tree and the boat, go early: in the morning the island is emptier and the light is better. And confirm that your tour includes Isla Pelícano on its itinerary — San Blas has more than 365 islands and not every tour visits the same ones.
Combine it with more islands
Most travelers pair Isla Pelícano with the Natural Pool and an island for lunch. If you want to see the archipelago’s most photogenic corners in a single day, also check out the island hopping.
Fan of the show, or simply of the Caribbean? Book the La Casa de Papel Tour with a deposit and pay the rest on tour day.