Ferry from Mex. to Baja....need info.

[Ness]

In June I will be travelling through Mex. and Central Am. to the bottom of Panama.
While on the Mex. Pacific coast, I'd like to take the ferry from either Guaymas or Topolobampo to Baja for a visit and then return to Mex.
I'm interested in info on both ferries: $, are reservations required?, "red tape" ??, schedules?, or any other "tips".
Thanks, Ness

[TerryMoto]

http://www.bajaferries.com.mx/
Runs Topolobampo to La Paz.

http://www.sematur.com.mx/
Runs Mazatlán to La Paz. 18 hours.
They have two ferries. A cargo ferry, and a tourist/passenger ferry (which also takes Cars, Motorcycles). I took the cargo ferry. You won't need a reservation. Schedules on the website.

If you are coming from the mainland to Baja with the motorccyle, there isn't any red tape. If you are going Baja to the Mainland, then you will need your temporary vehicle import permit (TVIP). Pick this up at the border when you enter to save time and hassle.

About the Guaymas Ferry (pulled from another website):
fast ferry runs on wednesdays, no cars, 450 pesos. it is a french buile powercat and does the trip in less than 3 hours. there is also an air taxi service for 730 pesos by guerrero air, all fares one way

Another one:
http://www.ferrysantarosalia.com/

[wallsts]

Ness,

I also had no problems getting on the cargo ferry from la Paz to Mazatlan. I would like to suggest though that you bring your own tie downs. Although we didn't have any problems crossing, I have heard that on a rough day at sea your bike could potentially get knocked over. If you bring your own tie downs and make it clear to the workers that you need to secure the bike you should be fine.

Also, plan on taking everthing off your bike that you'll need for the crossing (ie. books, CD player... ) and secure or remove valuables. We had supersecure Givi side cases but removed the less secure Dual Star tank bag. This worked well as a "carry on." We heard cases of peoples stuff being jacked so took some small precautions.

Also, a little side note. If you are either going to arrive at Mazatlan via Baja or vice versa, make time for the road from Mazatlan to Durango. This is one of the most amazing roads I experienced in 7 months of riding the Americas- 200 miles of twisties and pretty good pavement. Make time for this road.

Steve - BWOB

http://www.bikerswithoutborders.org/

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[desert soul]

hello out there,

some maps show a convenient service from los cabos to puerto vallarta. this ferry link does not exist (anymore).

good luck to everyone

[mattpope]

I took the ferry from La Paz to Topolobampo. It took 5 hours and cost 610 pesos for me and 530 pesos for the bike. The ferry is much newer and quicker than the Mazatlan-La Paz ferry. Cannot advise on cost differences.

The only problem with this one is that the scheduling means that you arrive in Topolobampo late at night (11pm) and have a dark ride to Los Mochis to find a hotel.

Mail me if you want anymore info on this one.

[colesyboy]

Um,

I took both ferrys (La Paz - Mazatlan twice!), and I can honestly say that the Topobolombo (I know Ive spelt that wrong) is a better crossing, both from the time it takes and the boat - it arrived early afternoon in Top. - also this ferry leaves you closer to copper canyon which you MUST MUST MUST do.

Brian
http://colesyboy.tripod.com

[colesyboy]

Ohhh and the Top. ferry is about half the price of the Mazatlan ferry. Another good reason to choose it.

Cool bananas

Brian
http://colesyboy.tripod.com

[navegante]

You can find a link to the ferry from Guaymas to Santa Rosalia on http://www.sonora-mexico.net on any of this pages: Guaymas, San Carlos or Bahía Kino.- Hope the info is not to late for you.-
Happy stay in México.-

Originally posted by Ness:
In June I will be travelling through Mex. and Central Am. to the bottom of Panama.
While on the Mex. Pacific coast, I'd like to take the ferry from either Guaymas or Topolobampo to Baja for a visit and then return to Mex.
I'm interested in info on both ferries: $, are reservations required?, "red tape" ??, schedules?, or any other "tips".
Thanks, Ness

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