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.
Interactive Side-by-Side: Series vs. Reality
Compare the Netflix cinematography with the untouched beauty of Pelicano Island today.
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. If you are planning an expedition to this paradise, make sure to read our comprehensive resource: San Blas Islands, Panama Complete Travel Guide for complete 4x4 schedules, border checkpoint requirements, and all-inclusive logistics.
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 Book Directly 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.
To avoid high markups from third-party travel resellers (who typically charge $130–$145 USD for day trips or $200+ USD per night for cabins), visit the real Money Heist island with our official tours or book your overnight cabin directly with our family:
Booking directly with our native host family via WhatsApp guarantees authentic local rates, direct financial benefit to the indigenous Guna community, and personalized coordination before and during your stay. Read the full details in our comparison: San Blas Tour Agencies vs Direct Local Booking.
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.
Explore More Film & Guna Culture Guides
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.