La Paz Ferry to Mazatlan

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

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