Baja-to-Mainland Ferries: More Popular Than Ever

Although this information was checked (and rechecked) in July 2008, please confirm travel plans with ferry employees or travel agents prior to traveling. Prices, departure times, and other facts may have changed.

In the last few years, the introduction of newer, “roll-on, roll-off” type ferries has cut substantially the travel time between Baja and mainland Mexico, making this form of transportation increasingly popular. The Mazatlan--La Paz--Mazatlan route has been reduced from 20 hours to just 12. Passengers choosing the walk-on fare (seat only) have access to seats inside or out on the deck. Another option is to book a more private cabin or suite. Regular cabins have four bunks as well as sink, shower, and toilet. Junior suites have the same including bathtub; master suites have a Jacuzzi tub. The walk-on rate is charged for each passenger in addition to the price of the cabins.

The Chihuahua Star, built in Japan in 1997, travels at a speed of 23 knots. Facilities include a restaurant, discotheque, bar, and swimming pool. The even newer California Star, built in Italy in 2002, travels the La Paz--Topolobambo route in just 5 hours. The latter has no discotheque, but otherwise is about the same in comfort, speed, and accommodations. These boats sometimes switch routes but have the same travel time and keep to the schedules listed below.

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Both vessels accommodate walk-on passengers as well as cars, motorcycles, RVs and larger vehicles. People traveling with pets may have them inside their vehicle. Walk-on passengers’ pets must be crated or caged, and will be kept in the cargo or vehicle area. Either way, the cost is 200 pesos (about US$20) per pet, plus tax. (Note: at this writing pets are allowed in cars ONLY, not in cargo area, of the California Star. )

Many Mexicans pay by bank deposit, but as this is not a usual form of payment for most foreigners, they usually choose cash or credit card. You can use your MasterCard or Visa at ferry landings or pay by phone through the call center or ferry offices at La Paz, Los Mochis/Topolobampo, and Mazatlan (see below). The affiliated travel agencies listed at the bottom of the page may not accept credit cards. It’s a good idea, if possible, to pay at least one day in advance to avoid surprises. Even if you’ve paid early, plan to arrive at the ferry three hours before departure. Your car may need to be inspected by customs officials, and of course foreigners and nationals with foreign plates must have a Vehicle Importation Permit.

General information

www.bajaferries.com (English-language option for most pages)
Call center tel. 612/123-6600 (La Paz, Baja California Sur) and toll-free within Mexico 01800/FERRIES or 01800/337-7437

It’s not unusual to get no answer at the above numbers. Don’t wait until the last minute to phone. If you can’t get through, try calling the phone numbers for specific ferry landings and travel agencies listed below. Each location usually has at least one telephone representative that speaks basic to good English.

Schedules & fares

La Paz--Topolobampo/Los Mochis--La Paz Ferry
(cruising time, 5 hours)

• Topolobampo to La Paz: Daily departure at 1700 hours
• La Paz to Topolobampo: Daily departure at 0800 hours

One-way fare, cabin and/or seat

Omit the right-hand digit to get the approximate fare in US dollars, for example, 750 pesos is about US$75.)
Adult: 750 pesos
Kids (age 3--11): 375 pesos
Children under 3: free
Cabin: 760 pesos (plus walk-on fee for each of 1 to 4 passengers)
Junior Suite: 900 pesos (plus walk-on fee for 1 to 4 passengers)
Master Suite: 1200 pesos (plus walk-on fee for 1 to 4 passengers)

Vehicles - (Passengers pay walk-on fee
in addition to vehicle fee)

Car: 1,040 pesos
Motorcycle: 760 pesos
Car with tow (to 9 meters): 4,600 pesos
Car/Pickup with tow (9 to 17 m): 7,700 pesos
RV (to 12 meters long): 6,600 pesos
Each additional meter: 700 pesos

La Paz--Mazatlán--La Paz Ferry (cruising time, 12 hours)

• La Paz to Mazatlan: Tues--Sun departure at 0200 hours
• Mazatlan to La Paz: Mon--Sat departure at 1700 hours

One-way fare, cabin and/or seat

Adult: 835 pesos
Kids (age 3--11): 420 pesos
Children under 3: free
Cabin: 760 pesos (plus walk-on fee for each of 1 to 4 passengers)
Junior Suite: 900 pesos (plus walk-on fee for 1 to 4 passengers)
Master Suite: 1200 pesos (plus walk-on fee for 1 to 4 passengers)

Vehicles - (Passengers pay walk-on fee
in addition to vehicle fee)

Car: 2,150 pesos
Motorcycle: 1,600 pesos
Car with tow (to 9 meters long): 6,700 pesos
Car/Pickup with tow (9 to 17 m): 7,700 pesos
RV (to 12 meters): 13,100 pesos
Each additional meter: 800 pesos

Ferry locations

La Paz, BCS Interior Muelle de Altura Lote 1, Manzana F 20 km from La Paz at Pichilingue, BCS Tel. 612/125-6324 Hours: 9AM to 4PM

Los Mochis, Sinaloa Muelle de Contenedores (Container Dock) Tel. 668/862-1003 01800/718-2796 (toll-free in Mexico ) Hours: 9AM to 11PM

Mazatlan, Sinaloa Malecon s/n Tel. 669/985-0470 Mazatlán, Sinaloa Hours: 9AM to 4PM

Purchasing tickets

Pay in cash, by bank deposit, or with MasterCard or Visa; no checks. Or, visit these affiliated travel agencies in Baja and mainland Mexico for information and to purchase tickets.

Baja

Ciudad Constitución, BCS
Agencia de Viajes Pedrín
Domicilio Conocido
Tel. 613/132-1012

Loreto, BCS
Agencia de Viajes Pedrín
Domicilio Conocido
Tel. 613/135-0204

La Paz, BCS
Calle Allende 1025 at Marcelo Rubio, Centro
Tel. 612/125-7443 or 612/123-1313
Fax 612/125-7444

San José del Cabo, BCS
Plaza Cascada, Comercial Mexicana, Local 28
Tel. 624/142-4610 or 624/142-4291

Mainland Mexico

Los Mochis, Sinaloa
Blvd Centenario at Blvd Rosales
Plaza Encuentro, Local 5
Tel. 668/817-3752 or within Mexico only, 01800/012-8770

Guadalajara, Jalisco
Plaza Comercial del Sol
Blvd López Mateos Sur 2375
Loc. 11, Zona G. Interior
Tel. 33/3121-1852 or within Mexico only, 01800/570-1069
Monday through Friday 10:00-19:00
Saturday 10AM to 6PM
Sunday 10AM to 2PM

Guadalajara, Jalisco
Plaza Independencia
Calzada Independencia Norte 3295
Loc. 13, Zona B interior
Tel. 33/3674-2067 or within Mexico only, 01800/570-1068
Monday through Friday 10AM to 7PM
Saturday 10AM to 6PM
Sunday 10AM to 2PM