We thought it might be a good idea to summarise our experience of and process for moving across to the mainland.
The options for moving from Baja to the mainland were either to drive north all the way back up Baja to head south again on the mainland (and through cartel country!) or to take one of the two ferries across the Gulf of California. We opted for the overnight TMC freight ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan which would give us open access to the van for eating and sleeping during the 15/16 hours we’d be onboard. The other ferry is run by Baja Ferries and does give the option of a pre-booked cabin.
You cannot book the freight ferry online but Jorge at Rancho Escondido was kind enough to call a couple of weeks ahead and make a telephone reservation on our behalf. As we paid nothing at this point and had no paper confirmation, we’re not sure how definite it actually was but we planned to arrive early on the day of sailing to avoid any issues. The La Paz-Mazatlan crossing goes three times a week in each direction with no crossings on a Sunday.
We went straight to the port on our selected date and after the customs check (the van was searched and our TIP checked) we had the van weighed and measured before going to the TMC office where the cost of the ticket was calculated based on the van’s dimensions. At this point we also had to provide our ID. Once the ticket was issued we were able to park on the dock until loading began.
A brief timeline:
12 noon check in
15.00 loading due to start (actually started before that and it’s fun to watch)
16.00 we drove on to the vessel
17.00 scheduled departure
18.30 actual departure
09.30 the following day, ship docked
10.10 disembarked
Costs
MXP13,600 (approx GBP530) for the van and two adults. Ticket price includes dinner and breakfast (we didn’t partake) and we were able to pay by credit card
MXP231 (GBP9) fee for ticket confirming the van’s weight and length
All in all we think, for us, this was the best option. The check in process was smooth if a bit convoluted and although on the upper deck (the lower deck was loaded with trucks, trailers, and unmanned cars) we were still undercover so the van was hot but we were at least in our own bed! Parking was great fun and we, by that I mean Bob, were expertly guided into the tightest of spaces by the crew. The ship did have showers but we left them for the van drivers to use.
There were no further checks in Mazatlan and as soon as we disembarked we headed straight to the toll road to head south out of Sinaloa State and into a safer region.