Baja Ferries Information

La Paz Ferry to Mazatlan

2015-12-10T15:20:00.000-06:00

The ferry to Mazatlan is over night so it's suggested to get a Stateroom but reserve it ahead of time. Otherwise, you'll be sitting in a chair or sleeping on the floor. This also includes what you need to enter mainland Mexico from Baja.

From Baja Nomads

What you need
Have originals AND copies of
Passport
Drivers license
Car registration
Title
Credit Card for vehicle deposit
Be sure to know where to redeem your CREDIT CARD deposit when you leave Mexico

Reserve a Cabin

I would reserve ahead on line. We showed at the ferry terminal office the day before and no cabins available so we could only reserve seats in the salon. Not comfy for an overnighter. It seems they hold back the VIP cabin for any big shot that shows up late. Well after underway we bagged that cabin. Private baño with shower. Comfy!!

Vehicle Deposit

Bond runs 200-400 US, depending on the year of the vehicle. Putting it on a credit card is highly recommended because there have been instances where a cash bond was originally posted but when the holder of the permit goes to turn it back in, sometimes they don't have enough cash.

Ferry passengers Stranded 24 Hours

2015-01-30T14:57:00.000-06:00

Passengers Stranded 24 Hours on La Paz Ferry

After being stranded 24 hours aboard the La Paz Star ferry docked in Mazatlán due to an hydraulic failure which disabled retraction of the vehicle access ramp, passengers were finally allowed to disembark yesterday afternoon.

All passengers were aboard on Monday afternoon for the 4pm sailing when the equipment failed. After several unsuccessful attempts to repair the problem, at 1:50pm yesterday the company decided to allow passengers to disembark.

The company offered to reimburse passengers for their fare and pay toll road costs and gasoline for drivers who decided to travel to Topolobampo to catch the ferry from that port to La Paz.

For foot passengers, the company provided three buses to take them to Topolobampo to catch the California Star ferry scheduled to leave for La Paz in the middle of the night last night.

Passengers leaving the ferry told reporters they were not informed as to why the boat had not left port and that food was in short supply.

According to estimates, there were between 200 and 300 passengers aboard the disabled ferry. (from Noroeste)

Passengers Stranded 24 Hours on La Paz Ferry

Baja Ferries service disrupted for Hurricane Odile

2014-10-16T18:24:00.000-05:00

Completely shut down when the hurricane passed over but then shortly after the first priority went to all the CFE, Telmex, Pemex, Police, Military and Civil Protection personnel and vehicles that came over from the mainland to help. It was literally thousands of repair and security vehicles that made the trip across from Sonora and Sinaloa.

Mostly CFE vehicles

A little of everything headed west

General Director of Baja Ferries comments on Hurricane Odile

Another detailed Baja Ferries report

2013-02-13T09:02:00.001-06:00

Baja Ferries
February 10th, 2013

Posted by Brianna in Mexico

To get from Baja Sur to mainland Mexico without driving nearly all the way to the states and then through the northern part of the country, one must take a ferry. Though we read that other freight companies will accept passengers, the main option, and the one that we chose, is operated by Baja Ferries. Our experience was pleasant and got the job done.

Routes and Schedules

Two separate routes are available through Baja Ferries, both traveling between Baja California Sur and the state of Sinaloa. One travels between La Paz and Topolobampo and the other between La Paz and Mazatlán. Topolobampo is about 425km further north than Mazatlán by land, making it a shorter voyage by ferry, with the La Paz-Topolobampo trip taking 6-7 hours (some daytime and some overnight) and the La Paz-Mazatlán trip 17-18 hours (only overnight). Ferries leave from each location every couple of days, and schedules are available on the website. We left La Paz on Sunday at 5:00PM and arrived in Mazatlán just before 11:00AM on Monday.

Vangabonds Blog - Full article

RV and Jeep to Mazatlan

2013-01-27T11:03:00.001-06:00

Posted by SuGar Shack on RV Net

When we decided to take the ferry with our 40ft allegro bus, towing a jeep, from Baja to the mainland of Mexico I found very little information on the 'how to's". I am posting our experience and hope it helps others.

I had previously gotten our vehicle permits, for the Allegro Bus and the jeep, through the mail. We attached the stickers to the car and RV once we had crossed the border. I had heard that they had to attach them, but the agent said, "you put them on", like no big deal. So we did.

I had made my reservations over the phone with Baja Ferries. The La Paz /Mazatlan ferry is scheduled for T, Th and Sat. We paid 18K pesos for a cabin for ourselves, the 40 ft long Rv and the jeep. I was unable to make the reservations online but sent an email to the office and someone called me to get the CC number. Then I was emailed a confirmation.

The confirmation said to be at the ferry 3 hours before it left. It was scheduled to leave at 5 and we got there around 1pm, driving from Los Barriles. It leaves from Pichilingue, about 15 miles NE of La Paz. I used a yahoo group, LaPaz Gringos which was most helpful for information.

As we arrived at the port we saw before us this huge, beautiful ferry, The California Star. Cool, I thought! We drove past the main port building (mostly because we couldn’t find a place to park) and ended up at a small building that said VENTE BOLLETOS. Gary dropped me off and I took all my paperwork in. He found a place to park and unhooked the jeep.

There was a one woman who spoke very good English. She looked up my confirmation # and told me we already had tickets but would need to have the RV and the jeep measured and obtain these slips of paper which showed their length. She sent me next door to an even smaller building and the man measured the RV and the jeep and gave me the two necessary slips of paper. I returned to the VENTE BOLLETOS office and she told us to now go to the main terminal office and get our tickets. (this second stop at the VENTE BOLLETOS ended up being unnecessary)...but it was worth speaking to someone in ENGLISH. This woman also told us that we could take the RV and jeep, once we had the tickets and get in line at 3pm. (the confirmation had said 2pm)...Mexico.

There was a very nice hotel just beyond the VENTE BOLLETOS office and we decided to have lunch, then drive the jeep to the main terminal and get the tickets. Great lunch!

After lunch we drove the jeep to the main terminal. We parked for 200 pesos. (we are figuring pesos to dollars at 10/1, but the exchange is actually better than that) It looked deserted but Gary found a window with a woman who spoke decent English. She confirmed that “one vehicle, one driver”, made a copy of Gary’s passport and had him sign the receipt for the tickets. She also had me show her my passport. We each got a ticket. Mine had the cabin ticket. We walked back to the car and I realized she had not given me back my passport. I returned to retrieve it and it ended up being Gary’s passport. No problemo.

I got in the jeep and Gary got in the RV and we headed for the Aduano. Customs, (next to the main terminal). I got there first and she asked to see my vehicle permit. I pointed to the sticker on my car and she said, no, she needed the rest of it. (this was all in spanish, but I certainly got the gist of it). So I backed out and in the process hit something, I had taken down a post. They didn’t seem to mind. And neither did the jeep.

I was a little worried because earlier as I was going through our paperwork I realized I had the rest of it for the RV but not the jeep. By “the rest of it”, when you get the blue vehicle sticker permit, you tear off the sticker in the middle but the rest of it is what shows your name and the VIN number. Then I realized I am SO organized, I MIGHT have put it in the jeep glove compartment. I had. Whew! So I gave that to her and she checked the vin number and had me get out of the car and press a button and a green light came on and she said, “pase!” Then it was on to the weigh station. They charged me about 30 pesos and I told them I was also paying for the RV behind me (because I wasn’t sure if Gary had enough pesos). I think the RV was about 120 pesos. I am not sure of these prices but I know they weren’t outrageous.

Gary was behind and went through the same process with the sticker. When I went through they only checked the VIN, but he said the customs officer came into the RV and opened every cupboard. Then he passed through, was weighed and we got in line to board the ferry. Me in the passenger car line and Gary in the semi truck line.

Gary drove on first and then I did. I was the last car on. Gary was waiting for me when I got there. I had the cabin ticket. We were given the key to the cabin and were quite pleased with the cabin. Two single beds, with crisp, clean sheets, a private bathroom with shower, and a window (that was sealed shut). However, the window was blocked and we could not see out. The air conditioning in the room was great. We noticed that some of the cabins were inside cabins, with no window. I think we just lucked out getting an outside cabin.

Our ferry was the Mazatlan Star. It was not the one advertised on the baja ferry site, which was the one we saw when we drove up to port, the California star. The rooms and public places were very clean but I can’t say much for the outside area. As Gary said, “This is a cargo ferry carrying passengers, not a passenger ferry carrying cargo.” Everyone was extremely nice and helpful.

Dinner was served cafeteria style. They had a beef dish, a pork dish, rice and beans. (The fish was gone by the time we got there!)

We, as usual, woke up very early. About 5. We had been told coffee would be available at 6. But hey, this is Mexico, so about 7 we went to the lounge area, got our coffee and went to the back of the ship and watched the sunrise over the Sea of Cortez. Beautiful.

We arrived in Mazatlan about 9:30am. Gary’s level was called first and mine last, however, I got off the ship before him. Go figure. I sailed right through customs (don’t know why they have customs between the states of Mexico) but Gary once again, had 3 curious agents who checked his passport, and the cupboards! I had also read that they “spray” the vehicles, like they did in Guerro Negro, but that didn’t happen either.

We had Verizon service in Mazatlan so communicated with our iphones. (the batteries were out in the hand held radios...and there were no plugs to charge anything on the ferry). We met up, hooked up set our gps for SMA and we were off

A Ferry Story - La Paz - Mazatlan

2013-01-16T10:07:00.000-06:00

About the Mazatlan Star. She is 29 years old and was built in Marseille, France. She is about 230 meters long. Kind of a strange layout, but she is really a truck and semi hauler.

Cost: 1078 Pesos per person each way. This includes dinner from 5 to 7pm and breakfast from 8 to 9am.

Meals included - Not gourment, but not un-edibile, either.

Dinner: meat, fish or chicken. With rice, beans and tortillas.

Breakfast: eggs with salchichas or machaca. With chilaquiles, beans and tortillas.

They sell fruit plates, juice, pop, beer, muffins and rolls, fruit, sabritas, etc.

Take your ticket with you to the meals to be scanned.

Cabins with windows and bathrooms: 770 Pesos The cabins are on the 6th deck and most look out onto life boats or air vents. Don't count on a view. The sheets are clean, there are reading lights, lots of hot water in the shower, shampoo and soap with towels provided. Don't plan on charging your cell phone, kindle, computer or camera while on the ferry. No plug ins. The carpet might not have been vacuumed recently, but better than I expected - cleanliness wise.

To take the truck: 2303 Pesos each way. Note: if you have a kayak rack or any type of rack on your truck, that is classified as a cargo carrier and has a different cost.

Depart LaPaz 5pm and arrive in Mazatlan about 10:30am.

Depart Mazatlan 4pm and arrive in LaPaz about 9 or so am.

Took us 3 hours to get through the Military Inspection XRay point!

Also the LaPaz ferry dock has some sort of longshoremen's union or something called API and they get you for 150 Pesos going and returning for using their facilities.

Also after the military inspection on the return to LaPaz, there is a 30 Pesos Agricultural spray - like the one in Guerrero Negro.

Mazatlan is easy to depart the ship and to board the ship and no extra costs. LaPaz is a nightmare.

Also, if for some reason you need to change your reservations, they will do that, but it is 180 Pesos per ticket. We had 3 tickets: Passenger, Auto and Operator and Cabin. So to change the reservations was 540 Pesos.

Also, cabins sell out fast. The non windowed cabins also have no bathrooms and have bunk beds.

There are big TV's in the salon and cafeteria going all the time. Beethoven, Toy Story - a big variety of viewing pleasure. Reception also rents DVD's.

Pets: the first pet is free. The second costs 105 Pesos each way. They do have a pet area now. You take your pet from the car and car deck, or if a walk on passenger - take to the reception area on the 5th deck. There is an elevator from the 3rd floor car deck (where walk on passengers arrive) to the 5th deck reception. From reception someone will guide you down the hall, through the salon and out on to the back deck. You go through a locked gate, down a flight and 1/2 of steep stairs, hang a short left. You are now back down on the 4th deck. There is a big open door, with 4 huge plastic installed, permanent crates with stainless steel bar doors. You can leave water with the pet in the crate, but no food. The door is left open all the time, so there is fresh air. At the end of the trip, do the same in reverse.

Also if you buy you ticket the day before you can get your auto permit the day before.

From the BajaNomad forums

Auto permits for mainland Mexico

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-06:00

Crossing from La Paz to mainland Mexico requires an auto permit with a real deposit. This changed in May 2011 from the old simple recording of your credit card. You need to apply and pay at the Banjercito office in Pichilingue. The deposit will be returned once the vehicle and permit are returned at the border. If you do not return your vehicle and the permit by the time your permit expires, Banjercito will keep the deposit.

Auto deposit fees are:
•2007 and newer models, USD $400.00 deposit
•2001 - 2006 models, USD $300.00 deposit
•models previous to 2000, USD $200.00 deposit

Pichilingue Port offices where you will find Banjercito

Reclaiming your deposit can only be done at the border when you are leaving Mexico. Here is a quote from the Banjercito web site

5. Return to your country of origin. Please make sure to register the return of your vehicle when crossing the border.

Make sure to visit any BANJERCITO module located at the border crossing when you are leaving Mexico. Present your vehicle and the Temporary Import Permit in order to register the vehicle as having returned to the country of origin. BANJERCITO will issue a return certificate.

It is very important that you complete the vehicle return operation. If you don't complete this step, Mexican authorities will assume that your vehicle remains in Mexico, which can cause problems in the future. The vehicle is considered returned, when you physically present the vehicle at the border module and the authorities validate the return from Mexico.

Schedules and prices as of December 2011

2011-12-23T15:25:00.001-06:00

As usual the ever changing Baja Ferries web site is tricky to figure out so here are the prices and schedules as of December 23rd, 2011. I only covered cars and pickups/vans so if you have a large camper or mobile home you are on your own. The only thing I see that might need translating are the days of the week and Camarote means cabin. Prices of course are in pesos.

Schedule for La Paz - Topolobampo

Topolobampo	La Paz	23:00 hrs	06:00 hrs	De Domingo a Viernes
La Paz	Topolobampo	14:30 hrs	21:00 hrs	De Lunes a Viernes
La Paz	Topolobampo	23:00 hrs	06:00 hrs	Sábados

Schedule for La Paz - Mazatlan

Mazatlán	La paz	16:00 hrs	08:00 hrs	Lunes, Miércoles y Viernes
La Paz	Mazatlán	18:00 hrs	10:00 hrs	Martes y Jueves
La Paz	Mazatlán	17:00 hrs	09:00 hrs	Domingo

Fare for La Paz - Topolobampo

Adulto (passenger only)	$790.00
Niños de 3 a 11 Años	$395.00
Clase Cabina	Clase cabina, camarote para 1 y/o 4 pasajeros con baño integrado.(Costo adicional al derecho de embarque)	$770.00
Car	Automóviles y pickup (hasta 5.40 mts.)	$1,050.00
Pickup or Van	Pickup, Van y Suburban (con metro extra uso familiar)	$1,810.00

Fare for La Paz - Mazatlan

Adulto (passenger only)	$890.00
Niños de 3 a 11 Años	$445.00
Clase Cabina	Camarote para 1 y/o 2 pasajeros con baño integrado.(Costo adicional al derecho de embarque)	$770.00
Clase Turista	Camarote para 1 y/o 3 pasajeros, con lavabo integrado. (Costo adicional al derecho de embarque)	$500.00
Car	Automóviles y pickup (hasta 5.40 mts.)	$2,000.00
Pickup or Van	Pickup, Van y Suburban (con metro extra uso familiar)	$2,860.00

Mazatlan to La Paz

2010-04-20T09:24:00.002-05:00

Ferrying Across the Sea of Cortez Between Mazatlan and La Paz in Baja California

A travel Blogger makes the trip and tells you all about it

"With the possible exception of holidays like Semana Santa, it is not necessary to buy a ticket well in advance – a day or two ahead of time will be just fine. The ticket office at the ferry terminal, located just south of the lighthouse at the inlet to Mazatlan harbor, is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both credit and debit cards are accepted and you will need either your original passport or a copy to buy tickets. The ship sails from Mazatlan on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m., and from La Paz to Mazatlan on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday (5 p.m. on Sunday, 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday). The crossing takes about 12 hours."

Hole in the Donut Article

Fares and schedules - November 2009

2009-11-06T17:31:00.008-06:00

Passenger fares, Vehicle fares and schedules as of November 2009
(of course prices are in pesos)

Schedules
Topolobampo Schedules
La paz 15:00 Topolobampo 21:00 6 hours Monday to Friday
La paz 23:00 Topolobampo 06:00 6 hours Saturday
Topolobampo 23:00 La paz 06:00 6 hours Sunday to Friday

Mazatlan Schedule
La paz 17:00 Mazatlán 07:00 12 hours Sunday
La paz 20:00 Mazatlán 08:00 12 hours Tuesday and Thursday
Mazatlán 17:00 La paz 06:00 12 hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Passenger Fares
LA PAZ - TOPOLOBAMBO - LA PAZ
Adult one-way (direct boarding) $1,065.00
Child (age 3 to 11) $530.00
(Under 3 years of age: free)

LA PAZ - MAZATLAN - LA PAZ
Adult one-way (direct boarding) $1,190.00
Child (age 3 to 11) $595.00
(Under 3 years of age: free)

STATEROOMS OF THE CHIHUAHUA STAR
Cabin class: stateroom for up to 4 passengers and a private bathroom
(Additional cost for direct boarding) $760.00
Junior Suite $900.00
Master Suite $1,200.00

STATEROOMS OF THE CALIFORNIA STAR
Cabin class: stateroom for up to four passengers and a private bathroom (Additional cost for direct boarding)

Vehicle Fares
Passenger vehicles & pickups (up to 5.40m)
Topolobampo: $1,040.00
Mazatlán: $2,440.00

Pickup, Van and Suburban (with extra meter for family use)
Topolobampo: $1,790.00
Mazatlán: $3,290.00

Vehicle & trailer (up to 9m)
Topolobampo: $4,880.00
Mazatlán: $7,000.00

Vehicle & trailer (9 to 17m)
Topolobampo: $8,255.00
Mazatlán: $12,000.00

La Paz-Topolobampo temporary schedule change

2009-02-17T10:17:00.001-06:00

From Baja Nomads forum

La Paz-Topolobampo temporary schedule change

FYI: Just got back from the mainland on the Topolobampo (Los Mochis) - La Paz ferry. The ticketing office for Baja Ferries has a flyer at the counter informing of the following schedule change: Until the end of the month, there is no ferry service from Topolobampo to La Paz on Saturdays, and no ferry from La Paz to Topolobampo on Sundays. Daily service is scheduled to resume in March.

Daily Trips from/to Mazatlan with two boats

2008-08-06T16:00:00.006-05:00

LA PAZ- MAZATLÁN
Y
MAZATLÁN - LA PAZ

This route will be operating with the vessels California Star and Chihuahua Star

From .......To ...... Departure Days ...... Departure Time
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mazatlán .. La Paz .. Monday to Saturday .. 17:00hrs
Mazatlán .. La Paz .. Sundays Not in Service
La Paz .. Mazatlán .. Tuesday to Sunday .... 02:00hrs
La Paz .. Mazatlán .. Mondays Not in Service

Baja Ferries Schedule Change

2008-06-28T11:17:00.004-05:00

The new ferry schedule for the La Paz to Topolobampo run

Topolobampo - La Paz - Lunes a Domingo - leaves at 17:00hrs (5pm)
La Paz - Topolobampo - Lunes a Domingo - Leaves at 8:00hrs (8am)

This will throw off much of the info on following pages - but they'll still be of some value

Baja Ferries Web Site

Tip on where to stay on the Mainland

2008-05-24T07:57:00.007-05:00

From Baja Nomads message board. The ferry arrives about 10:30pm and you may not be unloaded 'till well after 11pm. Toplombampo, just off the ferry dock, does not offer much and is not that attractive. Driving all the way to Los Moches and looking for a motel in the middle of the night is not the most fun thing to do - Here's an option

We always go to Zihuatanejo from December to March cuz it's so friggin' cold here in Mulege. We use this ferry just for the reasons posted...always a great experience with five years history now for us. Here's a hot tip if you are going to do this to the mainland ... USE THE MOTOR MOTELS (NoTell Motel). They are always just outside of the citys. Case in point- when getting off the ferry at Topo, and about half way into Los Mochis, on the right side is a motel called POPEYE. The sign out front reads- 3 HOURS=150 PESOS. Trust me, on the mainland these motor motels are your best deal going. The Popeye will give you 8 hours for double the price- $300. They ALWAYS have a garage for your car in front of your room. The Popeye has an electric garage door and you get the remote. They have 56 rooms that turn over 2-3 times/night so the guys with radios and the gulf carts that run around are reallyy busy, but it's quiet anyway. For an extra 100 pesos ($400 total) you can have a room with your own swimming pool IN YOUR ROOM. They have four of these rooms with a pool at your bedside.

Baja Ferries crossing

2008-05-15T21:10:00.011-05:00

Some pictures from my 2005 crossing. We left around 3 PM and arrived in Topolambampo around 11 PM. The building in the first picture is the ticket office as well as Immigration. Better to buy tickets the day before and then come early to wait in line and get your vehicle importation papers and sticker

Loading at Pichilinque (La Paz) with Ferry office behind

Out of the harbor

SKY Satellite TV that doesn't work

The bar and TV area

Somebody relaxing topside

Baja Ferries Prices - 2008

2008-04-23T14:26:00.001-05:00

One Way Trip

La Paz-Topolobampo- La Paz

Adult one way trip - $750.00

Children 3 to 11 years old - $375.00

Class cabin, room for 1 and/or 4 passengers with integrated bath - $760.00
*include 1 meal

La Paz- Mazatlan- La Paz

Adult one way trip - $835.00

Children of 3 to 11 years - $420.00

Class cabin (2 beds with bath) - $400.00

Tourist class (4 beds without bath) - $250.00
*include 2 meals.

Prices in Mexican Pesos
Pets are NOT allowed on board - Only in your Car
Minors are NOT allowed traveling alone

Rates includes:
• Taxes (I.V.A.).
• Access to harbor terminals (A.T.P.) Doesn´t includes another harbor rights.
• Dispositions can change.
• Rates can change without previos warning.
• If you ravel with a kid under 3 years old, ask for his/her free ticket

Baja Ferries Web Site

Ferry from Santa Rosalia

2007-05-18T06:39:00.000-05:00

From Baja California Travelers message board

I took the ferry from Guaymas in March. I would call them before making plans 622-222-0204 (Mexico number). It is a 40 meter boat, not big-often less than ten vehicles. (Not the big boat pictured on the posters.) They strap all vehicles down to car deck, because the boat may roll a bit. The good news is that they bought it used from some place on the North Sea, where it was designed for rough water, with aluminum superstructure so it can roll to 55 degrees without capsizing-according to Diego at the office.

You should make a reservation-no credit card required- and show up early to kill time hanging around until the Army arrives with the dogs to sniff your car.

The old Guaymas Ferry terminal left over from Fonatur days is deteriorating. It is best to bring along food for the wait-and maybe some Dramamine for the trip if it is looking like rough weather. Sometimes they cancel if it will be too rough, as the trip will take too much fuel if they are having to buck rough water

Current Baja ferry prices and schedule

2007-02-19T19:36:00.000-06:00

Schedule - Horario
La Paz - Topolombanpo - La Paz
Topolobampo La Paz Lunes a Domingo 23:00hrs
La Paz Topolobampo Lunes a Domingo 15:00hrs

La Paz - Mazatlan - La Paz
Mazatlán La Paz Lunes - Miércoles - Viernes 15:00hrs
La Paz Mazatlán Martes - Jueves - Sabados 16:00hrs

Fares - Passenger Only
La Paz -Topolobampo - La Paz
Adulto viaje sencillo (derecho de embarque) $680.00
Menores de 3 a 11 años $340.00
Clase cabina, camarote para 1 y/o 4 pasajeros con baño integrado. (Costo adicional al derecho de embarque)
$760.00

La Paz - Mazatlan - La Paz
Adulto viaje sencillo $770.00
Menores de 3 a 11 años $385.00
Clase cabina (2 camas tipo litera con baño) $400.00
Clase Turista (4 camas tipo litera sin baño) $250.00

Fares for small vehichles
La Paz -Topolombanpo -La Paz
Auto y Pick-Up ( hasta 5.40 mts. )
$1,000.00

La Paz-Mazatlan-La Paz
$2,000.00

Santa Rosalia - Guaymas Ferry

2006-12-04T10:55:00.000-06:00

Baja Ferries who took over the Santa Rosalia-Guaymas route in Mexico from Sematur. Following the privatisation of Sematur in 1989, their routes contracted and the company went through a period of difficulty. Sematur is now out of business. Baja Ferries started up on the Santa Rosalia-Guaymas initially using ro-ro ferries, but in 2003 thay acquired the Stena Forwarder which had been operating between Holyhead and Dublin. She was renamed California Star She was joined in 2004 by the Sinaloa Star, previously the Coromuel of Sematur.

Departures from Guaymas

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Departures from Santa Rosalia

Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
Friday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

Santa Rosalia Ferry Website

TMC Ferry - Mazatlan to La Paz

2006-05-24T10:17:00.000-05:00

Here is another Ferry you don't hear much about, probably because it's mainly a freight shipping company. Some people with RV's have suggested it as an alternative to Baja Ferries and their 'pets' regulations. Supposedly you can stay in your vehicle with your pet.

The latest fotos on their web site show a dining room which looks to me like they may have some tourist facilities.

TMC Ferry Web Site

Recent Baja Ferry experience with a Pet

2006-05-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Posted by tahoenow on the Woodalls RVing in Mexico and South America message board

So as Paul Harvey would say, "here's the rest of the story". We need to divide our impressions into two categories. One from the point of view of those without dogs and one from those with. Without a dog, the Baja Ferry experience would have been excellent. The boat is enormous enough to be impervious to sea conditions (although a storm would test that) and it is a very new boat (2003) so the amenities and comforts are top notch. Driving the motorhome onto this ferry along with over one hundred eighteen wheelers, two Harleys and a bunch of cars was exhilarating. For an extra $47 you can have a very nice cabin that has a full bath and will sleep four. The restaurant and two bars are very nice. The staff is highly professional and they are everywhere.

With a dog, things change. You run smack into a major cultural difference between our two countries. First of all, we did our homework. We checked in advance to make sure the boat would accept dogs. We were told the dog would need to be in a kennel crate which they would provide. We reserved a cabin so that we could all be together. Sounds good so far, doesn't it? Well, the crates they had on hand were for underfed chihuahuas. Hugo could not and would not fit. We told them that we would not need their canary cage as we would have Hugo with us in the cabin. They said, "we can't allow that". I asked why. They answered, "it's the rule". I asked why that was the rule. Now here is where our cultures really breach. We norte americanos need to know why a rule exists. Mexicans do not. It is enough for them that "that is the rule". Mexicans do not confront a superior with the question "why is this a rule?".

You can see where this is going. We are without a solution at this point and I have told them that we will not leave our dog chained to a railing in a kennel area. Did I mention that we would not be allowed to stay with him in the kennel area? So a superior is beckoned and after warm greetings are dispensed with, the superior has a solution. We can stay with Hugo in a stairwell area adjacent to the hospitality desk where we can sit on chairs next to him for the duration of the trip. I ask why we can't all be in the cabin we paid for, and of course, the answer is "it's the rule". Our evening consisted of sleeping in the cabin in shifts and lying on the floor under the stairs with Hugo.

There is the possibility of change coming out of this experience. First of all, we taped the whole mess and that made everyone very nervous. The superior confided to me that this is not the first time foreigners have brought their pets on board with an unsatisfactory outcome and the ships "rule makers" are currently discussing solutions. I suggested that it would be easy to set aside two or three cabins out of the hundred they have as "pet friendly" with tile floors instead of carpet just in case. They seemed to respond to that.

Before any of you try to take your pets on a Baja Ferry, check with them to see what the current policy is. We survived and would go through the whole mess again to be sitting here in wonderful La Paz this evening, but the process needs to be improved and let's hope that it is.

From: Maria Meraz on March 30, 2006 at 07:10:01

2006-03-30T11:41:00.000-06:00

I read yesterday in the local La Paz newspaper that the California Star, the ferry boat between La Paz and Topo, arrives in Pichilingue today, Thurs. March 30, from Panama between the hours of 7-9 a.m. and it's scheduled to depart for Topo at 3 p.m.

Baja Ferry Latest Information

2006-03-07T07:28:00.000-06:00

This is the latest Info from the Baja Ferries Web Site. Please remember this is second hand information - but it's a long drive to not be able to use the ferry

02/02/2006
News Flash 1 - The Ferry to Topolompampo is reportedly closed for repairs mid-February til approx. the end of March 2006. No news on the La Paz to Mazatlan run.

02/12/2006
News Flash 2 - I read in the Sudcaliforniano that the ferry to Mazatlan will still be in service. What I did not understand was whether it would still travel on same days.
The ferry boat to Topo is going to Panama, to be 'tuned up'.
Also, I believe the paper said that for people wanting to go to Topo, Baja Ferries would transport them to Mazatlan by ferry and then bus them to Topo, all for $800 pesos

Baja Ferries Information

2006-03-07T07:24:00.001-06:00

Baja Ferries Information

Baja Ferry in La Paz Harbor

Baja Ferries has finally updated their Web Site to include the run to Mazatlan from La Paz and including two trips a month from La Paz to Manzanillo.
Baja Ferries Web Site

Below is the information as of my trip April 2005

Baja Ferries has taken over the Mazatlan to La Paz route from Grupo Sematur ... at least for the time being. This happended as of the end of April 2005. The following is the current information on schedules and prices.

Topolombampo - LaPaz .... Leaves Monday-Friday at 3pm from LaPaz. Saturday leaves late in the evening (10-11pm). From Los Moches to LaPaz it leaves late in the evening 11pm-1am week days only.

Topolombampo - LaPaz .... Auto fare 970mx. Passenger fare 650mx - Tourista, 760mx - CabinaMazatlan to La PazIt leaves from each end at 5pm (1700). Leaves La Paz Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Leaves Mazatlan Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Auto fare (normal size) 1700mx. 3 options on passenger fare (required above/beyond auto fare) 250mx - Turista, 400 - Cabina, 700 - Salon.

Auto importation into Mexico
If you don't have the importation papers for your car you can get them at the ferry terminal for about 330mx. Remember - copies of your Passport, Drivers License, Vehicle Registration and Tourist Visa. You can throw in a copy of your Title but it's not necessary. Have your Credit Card ready.

Here are some fotos of the trip down
Baja Ferry - 2005

My Mexico Page
Sparks Mexico Web