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. 

Another detailed Baja Ferries report

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

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.