Rocky Point Airport

Flying into Rocky Point Airport: What You Need to Know

Mar de Cortés International Airport (MMPE / PPE), also known as Puerto Peñasco Airport, is a modern international airport located about 30 km outside Rocky Point. It serves as a Port of Entry into Mexico with full customs and immigration services. Fuel is available, but it’s smart to call ahead to confirm availability before planning your flight.

Just 60 miles south of the U.S. border, this airport makes Rocky Point (“Arizona’s Beach”) an easy and popular getaway for American visitors. While it primarily handles private and general aviation flights, it also accommodates occasional commercial and charter services from cities like Las Vegas and Hermosillo.

The airport was developed to boost tourism along Sonora’s northern coastline. Its impressive 8,202-foot concrete runway (18/36) can handle larger aircraft, including Boeing 757s. Privately funded and now operated by Grupo Vidanta, the facility supports the area’s growth with comfortable amenities for pilots and passengers alike.

Note: There are currently no regular scheduled commercial flights to Puerto Peñasco. Most visitors arrive by private plane, charter, or by car.

Flying General Aviation into Mexico

If you’re piloting a private aircraft, here’s a clear checklist to cross the border legally and smoothly:

Required Documents:

• Aircraft registration
• Notarized letter of authorization (if you don’t own the plane or it’s corporately owned)
• Mexican insurance (Baja Bush Pilots makes this easy and reliable)
• Airworthiness certificate
• Pilot’s license
• Medical certificate
• Radio operator’s license (rarely requested, but still required on paper)
• U.S. CBP permit/sticker

You’ll need to purchase an annual entry permit on your first visit (Visa and Mastercard accepted, though card machines can sometimes be unreliable—have cash as backup). After that, it’s simply stamped on return visits.

Before Departure:

• File an eAPIS (Baja Bush Pilots website makes this quick and provides confirmation).
• Airport hours are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. After-hours service is available for about $120 per hour (covers all staff including Port Captain, immigration, customs, and Marines).

Important: Single-engine VFR flights are not permitted at night in Mexico.

Arrival Procedures:

• Tower frequency: 118.85 (controlled airport).
• Contact the tower 15–20 miles out—they’re friendly and helpful.
• Runway 18 offers a nice straight-in approach from the Phoenix area.
• For runway 36, fly over the ocean and turn final just west of Costa Azul resort.
• The runway is massive (8,202 ft x 148 ft) at 88 ft elevation. No taxiways, so plan for back-taxiing if needed. A ground guide will usually direct you to parking. Bring your own tie-downs.

Flying Back North Across the Border

• File your eAPIS and keep the receipt before departure (ideally before 2 PM to avoid clearance issues on the U.S. side).
• Call ahead to confirm your arrival time at your chosen U.S. Port of Entry (Yuma is often a good option in summer).
• Critical: Obtain a squawk code before crossing the border to avoid fines or intercepts.
• Monitor Prescott radio (easy to pick up 15–30 miles out at 4,500–6,500 ft) for instructions.

Popular U.S. clearance airports include Yuma (KNYL), Tucson (KTUS), and Nogales (KOLS). Frequent flyers can apply for an Overflight Exemption to land directly at airports like Scottsdale.

Always land at a designated U.S. Port of Entry and have your CBP sticker or receipt ready (about $25/year via CBP.gov). Place the sticker visibly in the lower corner of your window.

Airport Amenities

Even though it’s a smaller airport, Mar de Cortés offers everything you need: a comfortable waiting area with a snack bar, pilot’s lounge (with TV, computers, and WiFi), clean restrooms, and bilingual signage. Security is solid, and the staff is known for being kind and helpful—whether you’re arriving commercially or by private plane.

Where to Stay in Rocky Point

Rocky Point offers a peaceful, serene escape with stunning Sea of Cortez views—far more relaxed than busier Mexican destinations. World-class resorts and vacation rentals line the coast, giving you that true luxury beach vibe.

For convenient stays close to the airport, check out the beautiful oceanfront condos at Encantame Towers on Playa Encanto—one of the newest luxury developments in the area with resort-style amenities and breathtaking views.

Browse our full selection of Casago vacation rentals for real-time availability and the best rates on beachfront homes and condos.

If you have questions or need more details, just reach out—we’re here to help. Safe travels and enjoy your time in beautiful Puerto Peñasco!