BajaNomad

La Paz ferries?

Howard - 12-1-2023 at 02:14 PM

Are there any ferries that leave from La Paz going to the mainland? According to Google they have been discontinued. I assume the on from Santa Rosalia is still operating to San Carlos. I have never heard of any from Cabo, verdad?

AKgringo - 12-1-2023 at 02:38 PM

In 1986 my plan was to take the ferry from Cabo to Puerto Vallarta, but the route was discontinued. The facilities were still there, but the terminal soon became part of the rapidly growing tourist industry.

We had to backtrack to La Paz and take the ferry to Mazatlan. That run was still operating when I was there last November.

RnR - 12-1-2023 at 02:44 PM

Ferries are currently operating every day from La Paz to the mainland.

There are two ferry companies - Baja Ferry and TMC ferries.

They go to both Topolobampo and Mazatlan. Baja Ferries every other day and TMC everyday.

Baja Ferries - https://www.bajaferries.com.mx/

Ferry TMC - https://www.ferrytmc.com/

There are no ferries from Cabo.

I can visually confirm that the ferries are running. TMC ferry went by the house this morning while we were having breakfast!

Howard - 12-1-2023 at 03:16 PM

Thank you! This website can be helpful! :biggrin:

Marc - 12-2-2023 at 07:30 AM

Mazatlan to La Paz sixteen hours overnight with two meals. We scored the presidential suite on the O1 level.

[Edited on 12-2-2023 by Marc]

chippy - 12-2-2023 at 04:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Marc  
Mazatlan to La Paz sixteen hours overnight with two meals. We scored the presidential suite on the O1 level.

[Edited on 12-2-2023 by Marc]


Unfortunately they are using the Mexico Star for service from LAP to MAZ (not in picture) and it really sucks. Topo got the good new ferry (California Star) for some reason? If you're going to maz I would use TMC.

[Edited on 12-2-2023 by chippy]

One fellows experience with the ferry

John M - 12-3-2023 at 12:54 PM

This You Tube video shows what his steps were to secure a ferry ride to the mainland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1IZHnU10S8

John M

Howard - 12-3-2023 at 12:57 PM

Thank you to everyone. For those of you who have taken a car over, what other charges are there other than the tariff listed on their website?

If I understand their pricing, it's 5,300 pesos for a basic car or SUV. When I took the Santa Rosalia ferry there were charges for a room and food, is that the case on this route? Is there a salon with comfortable sitting area while the trip is underway? I assume the pricing is the same for the return as well, correct?

I am a Residente Permente and in the process of getting my South Dakota plated car nationalized. Once it's nationalized is there any other paperwork that I will need for the car?

I am thinking about a road trip this spring from Loreto and then taking the ferry either from LaPaz and then back thru Guymas or vice versa.

Anyone have any feedback?

MulegeAL - 12-4-2023 at 02:20 PM

Howard,
Good luck with the ferry to Santa Rosalia, that ferry stopped running years ago.

surabi - 12-4-2023 at 04:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Howard  


If I understand their pricing, it's 5,300 pesos for a basic car or SUV. When I took the Santa Rosalia ferry there were charges for a room and food, is that the case on this route? Is there a salon with comfortable sitting area while the trip is underway? I assume the pricing is the same for the return as well, correct?



Yes, of course, if you want a room there's a charge for that. I'd bring my own food- I found the ferry food inedible.

baja-chris - 3-8-2024 at 10:06 AM

Looks like La Paz - Mazatlan ferry discontinued now?

surabi - 3-8-2024 at 12:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by baja-chris  
Looks like La Paz - Mazatlan ferry discontinued now?


What makes you think that? It doesn't say anything on the ferry sites about it being discontinued.

RFClark - 3-8-2024 at 01:46 PM

As of my phone conversation with Baja Ferries yesterday they currently make 2 trips to Mazatlan a week on Thursday and Saturday. Be advised that those over 70 need a Doctors form stating that they're fit to travel. The information is available if you call their 800 number.

AKgringo - 3-8-2024 at 01:57 PM

"Be advised that those over 70 need a Doctors form stating that they're fit to travel. "

Are you serious? Do you think that showing proof that I just drove 2000 miles to get to their dock would be proof of fitness?

chippy - 3-8-2024 at 02:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by baja-chris  
Looks like La Paz - Mazatlan ferry discontinued now?


Looks like a reduced schedule but still running for BajaFerries. Have you tried TMC ferries?

mtgoat666 - 3-8-2024 at 02:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
"Be advised that those over 70 need a Doctors form stating that they're fit to travel. "

Are you serious? Do you think that showing proof that I just drove 2000 miles to get to their dock would be proof of fitness?


Well, at least women don't need permission slip from male family member!

RFClark - 3-8-2024 at 05:41 PM

Currently Baja Ferries is it. AK, yes a note from your MD less than two weeks prior to travel!

My guess is you row to get there as well as pay!

Biznaga - 3-18-2024 at 05:44 PM

RFClark is correct about Baja Ferries requiring a note from your doctor, if you or your companion are 70 or older. When you go to purchase tickets on their web site, the first thing you will see is a pop up window, that states;

Estimado usuario:

Si usted o algún acompañante tiene 70 años o más y/o alguna condición de salud especial, favor de realizar su reserva por medio de nuestro Contact Center (800-337-7437).

or...the Google Translated version;

Dear user:

If you or a companion is 70 years old or older and/or has a special health condition, please make your reservation through our Contact Center (800-337-7437).

We've taken the ferry 6 or 7 times from the mainland to B.C.S. in the past few years. We have not joined the 70 plus club yet, so this has not been an issue for us.

If I had to make an educated guess as to why they do this, I'd bet it's due to the potential for the driver and/or passenger to climb or descend multiple sets of steep, metal stairs on the ferry. Depending on the port, they may have a van that shuttles the passengers onto and off of the ferry.

It really depends on which ferry you take, and if you're the driver or passenger. I'm not saying folks over 70 can't do it, I'm just sharing some thoughts on why I think Baja Ferries might have this medical form requirement for those lucky enough to have joined the 70 plus cool kids club :)

P-L and F-T

wilderone - 3-19-2024 at 03:50 PM

"If you or a companion is 70 years old or older and/or has a special health condition ..."

That's now how I would interpret that. To me means:

If you are 70 years old AND have a special health condition
or
if you have a special health condition (and under 70 years old).

wilderone - 3-19-2024 at 03:53 PM

any other paperwork that I will need for the car?
You'll need a TIP. Which you can get in La Paz.

surabi - 3-19-2024 at 04:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
"If you or a companion is 70 years old or older and/or has a special health condition ..."

That's now how I would interpret that. To me means:

If you are 70 years old AND have a special health condition
or
if you have a special health condition (and under 70 years old).


That's exactly how it reads to me, too. It definitely doesn't say you need health certification if you just happen to be at least 70 years old. The AND/OR makes it contingient on having a special health condition.

If you needed it only based on age, it should read "70 years old OR have a health condition."

[Edited on 3-19-2024 by surabi]

AKgringo - 3-19-2024 at 05:06 PM

I turned 77 in January, and have a-fib and an enlarged left ventricle, but I still spend a lot of time running chainsaws and equipment and all of the various manual labor that comes with clearing trees and brush.

I have no problem with my lungs or circulation skiing at 8000 feet (knees are another matter) so I think I would be OK riding on a boat that I don't have to row!

Having said that, my dentist in La Paz had me see a doctor she recommended to get clearance for discontinuing my blood thinner before oral surgery a couple of years ago. It was quick, very affordable, and no big deal, so I could do that again if I want to cruise to the mainland.

The problem for me would be having to leave my dog on the cargo deck for the entire trip, which I won't do.

[Edited on 3-20-2024 by AKgringo]

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2024 at 07:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
Quote: Originally posted by wilderone  
"If you or a companion is 70 years old or older and/or has a special health condition ..."

That's now how I would interpret that. To me means:

If you are 70 years old AND have a special health condition
or
if you have a special health condition (and under 70 years old).


That's exactly how it reads to me, too. It definitely doesn't say you need health certification if you just happen to be at least 70 years old. The AND/OR makes it contingient on having a special health condition.

If you needed it only based on age, it should read "70 years old OR have a health condition."

[Edited on 3-19-2024 by surabi]


EVERYBODY has a special health condition, regardless of age. Never met any middle aged or elderly person w/o some health imperfection. Even if really fit and running marathons, everyone has something odd in their health…

If over 70, how do you prove lack of a special health condition? You need a note from the doctor…

surabi - 3-20-2024 at 09:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  


EVERYBODY has a special health condition, regardless of age. Never met any middle aged or elderly person w/o some health imperfection.


Just because you never met one doesn't mean everybody has a special health condition. And certainly not one that would be of any concern as far as taking the ferry. Mobility issues or heart problems I could see reason for the ferries to want to know about, as regards falling down the stairs or having a heart attack, but having a little patch of eczema on your arm doesn't present any taking the ferry issue.

mtgoat666 - 3-20-2024 at 10:17 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  


EVERYBODY has a special health condition, regardless of age. Never met any middle aged or elderly person w/o some health imperfection.


Just because you never met one doesn't mean everybody has a special health condition. And certainly not one that would be of any concern as far as taking the ferry. Mobility issues or heart problems I could see reason for the ferries to want to know about, as regards falling down the stairs or having a heart attack, but having a little patch of eczema on your arm doesn't present any taking the ferry issue.


Everybody is special. Your ecsema is special too, it is all yours, be proud!

They dont define special health condition, so I suppose any health condition fits the bill of special, eh?

surabi - 3-21-2024 at 08:03 PM

This sort of thing is just an exercise in absurdity in Mexico. They also require a doctor's clean bill of health note to get a driver's license where I Iive if you are 70+.
While of course you can go to any doctor you want for this, there's a doctor's office just around the corner from the DL office- you just walk in, the receptionist hands you some form where you say you don't have any health issues, they hand you a paper saying that, you pay something like 75 pesos, and take the paper back to the DL office. You never see the doctor, never have any exam.

[Edited on 3-22-2024 by surabi]