Why Pelicano Island Is the Best Choice
- Unique in the world: The real filming location of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) on Netflix — Tokyo and Rio's Caribbean hideout.
- 100% direct booking: No agencies, no middlemen. Book directly with the Guna family who own the island.
- Genuine all-inclusive: 4x4 transport, boat, cabin, 3 meals, excursions, snorkeling and kayaks from $140 USD/night.
- Strategic location: Access to Natural Pools, Dog Island (snorkeling) and the exclusive Dutch Cays all in the same day.
With over 365 islands in the San Blas archipelago (Guna Yala), choosing the best private island can feel overwhelming. In this comparison guide we explain why Pelicano Island (official Guna name: Gorginega) is consistently the top choice for travelers seeking authenticity, fair pricing and a truly unique Caribbean experience.
1. The Story No Other Island Has: Money Heist
Pelicano Island is the only enclave in the San Blas archipelago that was selected as the real filming location for the Netflix series Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). The scenes of Tokyo and Rio's Caribbean hideout were filmed right here on this island. This unique cinematic and historical distinction makes it the most recognizable and sought-after island in all of Guna Yala.
2. Comparison with Other Popular San Blas Islands
| Factor | Pelicano Island (Gorginega) | Other San Blas Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Direct booking with local family | Yes (no commissions) | Often through agencies |
| Genuine all-inclusive (transport + meals) | Yes from $140 USD | Variable, often partial |
| Money Heist filming location | Yes, exclusive | No |
| Access to Dutch Cays | Yes (+$70 USD) | Variable by location |
| Privacy (number of guests) | Max 20-25 guests/day | Variable up to 80+ at peak |
3. The 4 Exclusive Cabins of Pelicano Island
- Shared Cabin ($140 USD/person/night): Bunk beds in a palm cabin, shared bathroom, ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.
- Private Cabin ($160 USD/person/night): Most recommended. Private room for couples or groups of 2-3, shared bathroom with near-private use.
- Premium Cabin ($175 USD/person/night): Private room with en-suite bathroom and direct Caribbean sea views from the bed.
- Isla Aroma Cabins ($140 USD/person/night): New option on neighboring Isla Aroma for guests seeking maximum tranquility and seclusion.
4. What Does the Price Include? (Genuine All-Inclusive)
- Round-trip 4x4 transport from Panama City.
- Round-trip speedboat from Carti port.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day (fresh catch or chicken).
- Unlimited purified drinking water.
- Daily island hopping tour (Starfish Island, Natural Pools, Isla Ina).
- Snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards.
- Cultural visit to the Guna community.
- Beach bonfire at night.
5. How to Book Directly Without an Agency
Booking is done directly via WhatsApp (+34 679 797 101) with the family who owns the island. No agency commissions, no online booking systems with surcharges. The price you see is the real price.
Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)
It depends on the criteria, but Pelicano Island (Gorginega) combines three unique factors: white-sand coral beaches, international fame from Netflix's Money Heist, and the ability to book directly with the local Guna family owner — eliminating agency commissions.
Yes. Pelicano Island, whose official Guna name is Gorginega, was the real filming location of the Caribbean hideout scenes of Tokyo and Rio in Season 1 of Money Heist (La Casa de Papel). The island was not decorated for filming — it appears in its authentic natural state.
Pelicano Island has a maximum capacity of 20-25 guests per night to preserve privacy and experience quality. This distinguishes it from other archipelago islands that accept groups of 50-80+ people.
Yes. The Day Trip (1 day, $100 USD per person) includes 4x4 transport, boat, island tour, lunch and snorkeling. It does not include overnight accommodation.
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Book Directly with the Guna Family of Pelicano Island
No commissions, no agencies. Send us a WhatsApp message and we will give you real availability and pricing for your stay on the exclusive Money Heist island.