Filming Secrets: Tokyo & Rio's Money Heist Island
- Real filming location: Pelicano Island (Gorginega) is the actual hideout featured in Netflix's Money Heist Season 3.
- No CGI sets: The island is 100% real: towering coconut palms, powder-white sand, and crystal turquoise waters.
- Accessible paradise: Not an exclusive multimillionaire resort—you can stay here from $140 USD all-inclusive.
- Iconic photo spots: Walk the very shores where Tokyo & Rio lived as romantic fugitives.
The Iconic Opening of Season 3
Following their multi-billion euro heist at the Royal Mint of Spain, the crew scattered across remote corners of the globe with no extradition treaties. For Tokyo and Rio's hideout, Netflix and Vancouver Media's location scouts needed an enclave that epitomized the absolute archetype of untouched paradise: soft powdery white sand, swaying coconut palms, and luminescent turquoise waters.
That location was Pelicano Island in the autonomous indigenous territory of Guna Yala, Panama.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of Filming in San Blas
- Guna General Congress Permissions: Filming within Guna Yala requires strict clearance from the indigenous governing council (Congreso General Guna), ensuring filming respected marine coral sanctuaries and local customs.
- The Satellite Phone Scene: On the shores of Pelicano Island, Rio purchases the two satellite phones that allow Tokyo to call him after she departs the island—a decision that triggers the entire Season 3 plotline.
- Authentic Traditional Cabanas: The rustic thatch and timber cabanas visible in the show are genuine, handcrafted dwellings built by our local Guna family, preserving traditional island craftsmanship.
How to Visit and Stay on the Money Heist Island
Today, Pelicano Island is not a closed movie set—it is a welcoming private eco-island operated directly by our local Guna family.
Travelers can visit on an all-inclusive 1-day tour from $100 USD (including 4x4 overland transfers from Panama City, speedboat, and fresh catch lunch) or book an all-inclusive overnight cabin stay starting from $140 USD/night.
Things to Do on Pelicano Island
- Recreate Iconic Scenes: Walk along the same stretch of beach where Tokyo and Rio lived off the grid.
- Reef Snorkeling & Ocean Kayaking: Paddle out over vibrant coral reefs, rays, and tropical fish right off the beach.
- Excursions to Natural Pools & Dutch Cays: Join daily boat tours to shallow starfish sandbars and the outer barrier reef of Dutch Cays (Cayos Holandeses).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! In October 2018, Netflix and Vancouver Media filmed on Pelicano Island with stars Úrsula Corberó (Tokyo) and Miguel Herrán (Rio) for the iconic opening tropical sequence.
Yes. Pelicano Island is managed directly by its local Guna family, offering oceanfront cabins where you can spend the night on the real film set.
Because of its picture-perfect circular shape, pristine white beaches, lush coconut palms, and authentic off-grid feeling without modern concrete buildings.
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Ready to Stay in Tokyo & Rio's Caribbean Hideout?
Book directly with our indigenous Guna family with no middleman agency markups. All-inclusive packages include 4x4 transport, speedboats, and meals.