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. 

Auto permits for mainland Mexico

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.

Ferry from Santa Rosalia

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

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

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