Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
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Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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Has anyone have done this?
I have so many questions for a new adventure. I am driving my 30 foot class A RV that is South Dakota plated (I have a California drivers license)
from Loreto to the Los Angeles area. I have made this trip many times and looking for something different. I was thinking about driving to Santa
Rosalia and taking the ferry to Guaymas and driving from there. From Santa Rosalia it is actually a little less mileage to Los Angeles than the
traditional ways, up highway #1 and crossing at Tecate. I am looking for a little adventure along the way so here are some questions.
1: Has anyone taken a 30 footer on the ferry and I have been told that I do not need any import papers because it is far enough North, correct?
2:
Any RV parks either on the water or close to the water in the Guaymas/San Carlos area?
3: What type of drive is it, flat, mountains with climbing, toll and is the road in good shape?
4: Are there any interesting things to see on the drive North?
5: Any special paperwork needed for my dog?
6: Is the border crossing a nightmare like Tijuana or more like Tecate?
Any other feedback is appreciated.
Thank you,
Howard
[Edited on 1-2-2013 by Howard]
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Get ahold of Hook. He lives in San Carlos.
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3850
Registered: 10-19-2010
Location: el charro b.c.s.
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Mood: new dog/missing the old 1
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Guaymas
As Dennis said u2u Hook !! I have not done that trip...but I know guaymas/san carlos is in the free zone...that makes it a lot easyer..no post of bond
for the window halagram sticker and all the ckeck in stuff..mexico has a gov/tourest site (some where) thats up to date with the info your seeking !!
and if you find it ... Please post it so its avable to all...enjoy your trip..........K&T
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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It's going to be pretty expensive to do that with that vehicle. I would guess that it might be about 400 dollars, assuming two people.
And delays in departure are common, this time of year, due to winds. If there are predictions over 15 knots, they generally dont run. And the ferry
COULD be stuck on the Guaymas side while they wait for the winds to subside.
1: Has anyone taken a 30 footer on the ferry and I have been told that I do not need any import papers because it is far enough North, correct?
That would be determined by the office at Santa Rosalia. Technically, you should not need permit, as you would be heading north. You'll have to find
out from that office. You MAY be asked to pay the refundable bond on the RV that you would return at a checkpoint about 21 km south of the US border.
2:
Any RV parks either on the water or close to the water in the Guaymas/San Carlos area?
There is no true waterfront RV park in the area, but there are two that are within a 1-2 minute walk to the beach.
The options are the old Playa de Cortez hotel and RV park in the community of Miramar, a suburb of Guaymas,
Playa de Cortes
OR, in San Carlos,
Totonaka
3: What type of drive is it, flat, mountains with climbing, toll and is the road in good shape
95% flat, excellent road. No grade over a couple hundred feet and that is only 1-2 up towards Nogales. Some single lane detours for construction but
minimal and short. All detours paved.
4: Are there any interesting things to see on the drive North?
Not really, not after seeing Baja.
5: Any special paperwork needed for my dog?
The US authorities occasionally do ask for paperwork as you cross into the US. Just proof of shots, apparently. We use proof that we get from our vet
in Mexico and it is accepted.
6: Is the border crossing a nightmare like Tijuana or more like Tecate?
I hope you are not crossing at any time between now and, say, Jan 6, as the Mariposa crossing can be an absolute nightmare at this time of the year.
3+ hours wait. And you MUST use the Mariposa crossing with that RV. 0600-2200 operating hours.
[Edited on 1-2-2013 by Hook]
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9011
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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Oh yeah, there are a couple of good boodocking spots that are beach front, but are outside of San Carlos, proper. One is only about an easy 15-20
minute walk into town for services and shopping. U2U me for details.
When would you be arriving? I might be able to be a tour guide for a short period one day.
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Pompano
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8194
Registered: 11-14-2004
Location: Bay of Conception and Up North
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Mood: Optimistic
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Just read your post this morning, Howard. And yes, many of us have taken the ferry. Both from the Baja side and from the mainland side.
I took the ferry route exclusively (Guaymas - Santa Rosalia) for many years with boats and trailers. It was far shorter for me coming from the
central plains staight down to Arizona/Mexico, rather than heading over to San Diego and taking Mex. 1. Besides, sitting comfy in a ship's lounge is
much better than driving your rig white-knuckle on the narrow parts of the Baja Highway.
Here are just two forum accounts of that crossing, but there are many more posted on Nomads. A search should bring them up.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=31794#pid3263...
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=60976#pid7362...
RV Park: Many years ago, I would stay at a RV park closest to the ferry terminal at San Carlos (?). I recall it was called the Shangri-La, but it
may be either gone or changed names by now. Well, that was back around 1974 or 75. Time flys.
Highway scenes from Guaymas to US are fairly boring. Maybe a stop in Hermasillo for lunch and a breather.
Safe travels and have fun in your journey. And be sure to let us know how it went.
I do what the voices in my tackle box tell me.
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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
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haven't driven a motorhome, but have taken the ferry twice in the last six months in my car. piece of cake drive compared to the other way around.
if you take the night ferry (Sundays) you can leave Loreto in the morning, get your tickets (make reservations on line or telephone before) before 5pm
(am pretty sure of the time, do ask to be sure)...must be bought before hand...hang around til the ferry sails. or floats, whatever it's called.
drive off in the morning, head north. I can make Phoenix easy before night fall. much better than the long trip up Hwy 1.
if you don't mind spending the night in your rig somewhere near Sta R, you could do the day ferry, then spend the night in Guaymas or San Carlos, but
it would require a bit of night driving from G to SC.
you do not need import papers, you're going free zone to free zone
cost, for myself and (shortest) vehicle, about 400US, including cabinette. you do NOT want to sit/try to sleep in the main salon unless no cabin is
available, as it once was for me when the ac was broken except in the salon. (ps take your own linens!)
go to ferrysantarosalia.com for prices
you'll need to back it on and then drive it (forward) off
rv parks, as above. near enough water in San Carlos, not on
drive is fast divided highway the entire way. no grades to speak of. toll road some of the way, worth every peso
Mariposa crossing in Nogales isn't a problem but can be a long wait if busy time. I've buzzed thru in as little as 20 minutes and waited a few hours
other times.
dogs...no personal experience but no different than anywhere else dog has to stay in the car on the ferry trip and you do not have access to that
deck, officially.
[Edited on 1-2-2013 by rhintransit]
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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Howard
Super Nomad
Posts: 2353
Registered: 11-13-2007
Location: Loreto/Manhattan Beach/Kona
Member Is Offline
Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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Thank you for all your valuable feedback
I will be making the trip either the end of February or in May and will report back.
Thanks again,
Howard
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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