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Baja and Mexico Ferry
Established in 1999 Baja Ferries connects Baja California to Mainland Mexico. Baja Ferries was originally owned by Grupo Sematur who opperated a small ferry service between Santa Rosalia and Guaymas, however following the privatization of Sematur in 1989 and several years of declining profits, Sematur went out of business and the ferry routes were discontinued. In 1999, with increased demand from companies like Wallmart and Costco for a modern shipping route between mainland Mexico and Baja California - Baja Ferries (a private company) took over the Santa Rosalia-Guaymas route in Mexico from Sematur. Baja Ferries purchased a vessel form Italy and named it the Chihuahua Star, and in 2003 they acquired the Stena Forwarder which had been operating between Holyhead and Dublin. She was renamed California Star. The Guaymas to Santa Rosalia route still runs, however it is a smaller boat and even though there is a posted shedule it is not very reliable. For info on Guaymas Route click here
Vessels connect La Paz (Pichilingue), in Baja Sur, and Mazatlán in mainland Mexico every day except Sunday. Ferries also head from La Paz (Pichilingue) to the port at Los Mochis (Topolobampo). The ferries travel at 22 to 23 knots which has reduced the travel times between the cities. Baja Ferries offers comfortable ferry service for both passengers, cargo and vehicles. Services include restaurant, bar and comfortable cabin with a bathroom with space and sleeping for 2 to 4 passengers. If you're taking a car to the mainland, you must obtain a vehicle permit before boarding and must have valid Mexican Auto Insurance papers and a tourist card. Tourism officials in La Paz reccommend that you obtain the insurance, permit and card when crossing the U.S. border into Baja, where offices are better equipped to handle the paperwork than those in La Paz. For more information visit the Baja Ferry website.
Click to view Mexico and Baja Ferry Crossing Map
BE FOREWARNED - When traveling down the Baja peninsula you are in a special trade zone status, so that you do not pass through customs on the way down. HOWEVER, when you cross to the mainland, you will be formally entering Mexico proper. You will have to go through Customs before departing the ferry. Make sure you have the necessary permits to avoid fines.
Important Note: Schedules may change without previous notice. Please verify the schedule before you choose the date of your trip. It is always a good idea to call ahead and make sure the ferries are running.
Cost of Ferry Tickets for Passengers and Vehicles
Purchasing a ferry ticket to travel to Baja or Mainland Mexico
Baja Ferry tickets can be purchased at any of the ferry terminals or a Mexican travel agent. You can also reserve your seats in advance by faxing a payment via credit card call 01-800-FERRIES or 01-800-337 7437, no personal checks accepted. You will need to provide the following information when you arrive at the terminal:
- A copy of the deposit receipt
- Complete name and age of people who are traveling
- Date of departure (and return if it's round trip)
- If you are traveling with your car: model, year, and plate number
- Your telehone number
The following ticket prices are for one way fares between ports. Ticket prices include travel and taxes. Prices are subject to change and are listed in Mexican pesos. Children under 3 years of age can travel for free. Pets are NOT allowed on board the vessel California Star. If you wish to travel with a pet the are only permitted for travel aboard the Chihuahua Star. Pets are not allowed on board and must be kept in a cage during entire voyage. A cage can be provided for an additional fee. Please select form the list below your means of travel.
La Paz, Baja California to Topolobampo, Mexico |
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| FARES FOR BOTH CALIFORNIA STAR AND CHIHUAHUA STAR | ||||||
| Adult One Way Trip | $750.00 | |||||
| Children 3 to 11 Years Old | $375.00 | |||||
| CALIFORNIA STAR ONLY | ||||||
| Class cabin, room for 1 and/or 4 passengers with integrated bath | $760.00 | |||||
| CHIHUAHUA STAR ONLY | ||||||
| Class cabin, room for 1 and/or 4 passengers with integrated bath | $760.00 | |||||
| La Paz, Baja California to Mazatlan, Mexico | ||||||
| FARES FOR BOTH CALIFORNIA STAR AND CHIHUAHUA STAR | ||||||
| Adult One Way Trip | $835.00 | |||||
| Children 3 to 11 Years Old | $420.00 | |||||
| CALIFORNIA STAR ONLY | ||||||
| Class cabin, room for 1 and/or 4 passengers with integrated bath | $760.00 | |||||
| CHIHUAHUA STAR ONLY | ||||||
| Class cabin, room for 1 and/or 4 passengers with integrated bath | $760.00 | |||||
| Junior Suite | $900.00 | |||||
| Master Suite | $1200.00 | |||||
La Paz, Baja California to Topolobampo, Mexico |
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| Car and Pick-Up ( Up to 5.40 mts. ) |
$1,040.00 | ||
| Car with tow ( Up to 9.00 mts. ) |
$4,600.00 | ||
| Car or Pick-Up with tow ( From 9.00 to 17.00 mts. ) |
$7,700.00 | ||
| Motorhome ( Up to 12.00 mts.) |
$6,600.00 | ||
| Motorcycle | $760.00 | ||
| La Paz, Baja California to Mazatlan, Mexico | |||
| Car and Pick-Up ( Up to 5.40 mts. ) |
$2,150.00 | ||
| Car with tow ( Up to 9.00 mts. ) |
$6,700.00 | ||
| Car or Pick-Up with tow ( From 9.00 to 17.00 mts. ) |
$11,500.00 | ||
| Motorhome ( Up to 12.00 mts.) |
$13,100.00 | ||
| Motorcycle | $1,600.00 | ||
Baja And Mexico Ferry Terminals
Topolobampo, Sinaloa
(Port is locacated in Los Mochis)
Terminal Manager: Jesús I. Echevarría
Tel. (668) 862 10 03
Fax. 862 10 05
01-800-718 27 96
Hours of operation: 9am to 11pm
Pichilingue, Baja California Sur
(Port is located near the city of La Paz)
Terminal Manager: Ing. Felipe Carballo
Tel. (612) 125 63 24
Fax. 123 05 04
La Paz B.C.S.
Hours of operation: 9am to 3pm
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Terminal Manager: Lic. Miguel Pérez
Tel. (669) 985 04 70
Fax. 985 04 71
Hours of operation: 9am to 3pm
For General Questions Groups or Baja Ferry Contact Infomation
Contact: Fernanda Espinoza
For Groups Email: grupos@bajaferries.com.mx
Telephone: (668) 817 37 52 or 831 7 38 64 Toll Free: 01 800 012 87 70
For Sales Email: ventas.lapaz@bajaferries.com.mx or clientes@bajaferries.com
CallCenter: 01-800-FERRIES (01-800-337 7437)
