Cayo Perico Heist Complete Guide — Solo & Team

Los Santos Guide • Updated 2026

The Cayo Perico Heist is widely considered the best heist in GTA Online. It's the only heist that can be completed entirely solo, and it pays better than almost anything else in the game. This guide breaks down every step of the heist from the initial scout to the final escape, with strategies optimized for solo players.

Prerequisites

Before you can run the Cayo Perico Heist, you need the Kosatka submarine. It costs $2,200,000 from Warstock Cache & Carry. You also need to complete the initial setup — pay $25,000 and visit the Music Locker at the Diamond Casino to meet Miguel Madrazo. After a short cutscene, you'll have access to the heist planning room in the Kosatka.

Step 1: Gather Intel — Scope Out the Island

Your first step is scouting Cayo Perico. Start the mission from the Kosatka's planning room and fly to the island in the Velum. Key things to photograph during the scout:

1. Primary Target — Located in the compound vault. This is automatic.
2. Communication Tower — Climb to the top and take a picture for access to disruption preps.
3. Secondary Loot Locations — Check the main dock, north dock, airport, and the shed near the compound's main gate.
4. Entry Points — The drainage tunnel (south of the compound, underwater) is mandatory.
5. Escape Points — Check the main dock and north dock for available vehicles.

Step 2: Choose Your Approach

For solo players, the optimal setup is always the drainage tunnel entry and the Kosatka approach. Here's why:

The drainage tunnel lets you enter the compound directly, bypassing most of the island. It's the fastest and most consistent method for solo runs.

Step 3: Weapon Loadout

Choose your weapon loadout from the Kosatka planning screen. For solo stealth runs:

• Conspirator — Silenced pistol and SMG. This is the best stealth loadout. The SMG is accurate and quiet.
• Crackshot — Silenced rifle and pistol. Good if you need more range, but the rifle is louder.
• Aggressor — Shotgun and machine pistol. Not ideal for stealth, but useful if things go loud.

Always bring the silencer. Any unsuppressed weapon will alert guards instantly and fail the elite challenge.

Step 4: Setup Missions

You need to complete several setup missions before the finale. These can all be done solo unless otherwise noted:

• Kosatka Approach — Steal the sonar jammer for the Kosatka infiltration
• Weapon Loadout — Steal or source your chosen weapons
• Fingerprint Cloner — Steal a cloner from the police station. This is mandatory.
• Plasma Cutter / Safe Code — Depending on the primary target, steal the appropriate cutting tool
• Cutting Torch — Mandatory for the drainage tunnel entry. This needs two players.
• Disruption Preps (Optional) — Sabotage armor, weapons, and air support for easier combat

Step 5: The Finale — Stealth Run

Here is the optimal solo stealth route for Cayo Perico:

1. Enter via Kosatka approach. Ride the submarine to the drainage tunnel and dive in.
2. Use the cutting torch at the underwater grate. Swim through.
3. Surface inside the compound. You're right inside the walls — the hardest part is done.
4. Take out the first guard patrolling near the stairs. Stay in cover.
5. Move to the right, hugging the wall. Take out the guard near the office stairs.
6. Climb the stairs to El Rubio's office. Use the plasma cutter/safe code on the vault.
7. Grab the primary target. Hack the fingerprint scanner (5 fingerprints maximum).
8. Exit the office, jump off the balcony, and head toward the main gate.
9. Take out the gate keypad guard from a distance with a headshot.
10. Shoot the gate keypad to open the main gate. Escape the compound.
11. Run toward the main dock or north dock. Take out the two guards at the dock.
12. Steal the boat or swim away from the island. Swim underwater to avoid detection.

Elite Challenge Requirements

The elite challenge bonus is $50,000 for the primary target. It's very achievable with practice — most experienced players complete the full heist in under 12 minutes.

Payout Breakdown

Advanced Tips

• You can repeat the heist immediately after finishing. There is no cooldown if you're the leader.
• The pink diamond is the best regular target. If you get it, run the heist immediately.
• Always kill the guard with the red cone of vision first. He patrols near the office stairs.
• The glass display cases on the island contain cash. Don't bother — they're not worth the time.
• If you get spotted, you can kill the guard before he radios in to maintain stealth. This takes practice.
• The weapons disruption prep is worth doing if you plan to go loud. It significantly reduces enemy accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the Cayo Perico Heist is the single most important skill for GTA Online wealth building. Once you can complete it in under 12 minutes consistently, you'll never worry about money again. The heist pays for itself — a fully upgraded Kosatka pays itself back after just 2-3 runs. Practice the route, learn guard patterns, and enjoy the most profitable activity in the game.