Booking Baja Ferries
 

So - the Baja Ferries website isn't exactly user friendly. I'm trying to book a one way crossing for 2 adults, 2 motorbikes and book us a cabin, but the selections don't really allow you to book it. Plus, I'm being asked to provide vehicle information and prompted to say where the bike is from, and Canada is not an option. I don't want to pick US, only to arrive there and for them to deny boarding because the reservation isn't accurate.

Does anyone know a good number to call to book these reservations from North America? Or maybe some advice about booking online? I tried to phone some of the numbers on the website and didn't get very far.

Thanks so much
Sarah doh

Don't sweat it!
Which ferry website are you looking at?
There is www.bajaferries.com
and. www. ferrytmc.com
Two companies running a variety of vessels
and schedules, some on the short run to Topo'have no cabins because they
are not needed in a 7 hour trip.
.
Waiting to book a passage in person in La Paz is a perfectly
feasible option if you give yourself a day or two of cushion
in your route planning. Do not expect to have everything arranged on
a " timeline " expecting things to neatly fall into place.
They rarely will after a few days in Mexico.
The question about country of origin is a red herring.
Probably something for their insurance but if your dociments
are in order( TVIP,FMM, passports, etc) you cannot be denied,
you WILL get a booking.
With such a time cushion you can afford to relax a day in La Paz
or elect to take the alternate route to Topolobampo.
Either route is fine and the Topo ' run costs less.

Hello Sarah,

On my way to South America I travelled through Baja and arrived in La Paz late afternoon. I spent the night in La Paz, went to the port midday, organized my TVIP, and purchased my ticket on Baja Ferries to Mazatlan. Boarded the ferry a few hours later. Lots of room for motorcycles. More truckers than anything. A fellow rider offered me a bunk in his four berth cabin as it was empty. Very kind! I would not worry about booking online. I tried before I left and it seemed such a trouble. I had no problem just showing up. Hope this eases your worries. :mchappy:
Regards, Mike.

booking a cabin online proved impossible for me too. I just went to the terminal and booked it in person a few days early. I spent a few days in Cabo before the sailing.

Sjoerd has it right! Relax. It's rare the Ferries would fill up. (Easter maybe?) I've crossed 6 or 7 times in both directions. Also crossed from Santa Rosalia to Guaymas. I would NOT recommend this route. Slow, expensive old Tub ... run by a different company than La Paz ferries. Avoid.

The Ferries out of La Paz are fairly modern and fast German boats. My last trip from Topolobambo to La Paz only took 5 hours. To Mazatlan ... about 12 hours, but can vary, weather depending. It can get ROUGH in hurricane season. (July to November) The Topo run is smoother seas.

If going to Mazatlan ... a cabin may be worth it. Not so much on the 5 hour Topo run ... but that is up to you. Most times bikes go on last and get off last ...this can vary. If doing Copper Canyon, go to Topolobambo.

If you end up with a day or two to kill in La Paz I'd recommend riding along the South coast from La Paz. You can either ride out Mex 286 out to the Las Barrilas-Santa Teresa dirt road all the way to Las Barriles (some deep sand) ...or take paved Mex 1 down to Las Barriles then turn RIGHT and ride mostly easy dirt road all the way to Cabo. (about 40 miles) Some good beach camping and villages with Hostels and restaurants en route.
Beautiful coastal ride. :D About two hours by highway back to La Paz.

Can confirm - in person booking is best. For La Paz - Mazatlan, if you have a sleeping bag, you can sleep on the floor out of the way or on the top deck with the stars. I heard they were shutting down that route for a while.

They give you ratcheting straps to tie down your bike, which was nice.

Make sure your permits are in order or they won't let you board.

Thanks everyone! Lot's of great advice here! I might just booked a cabin online in advance and then worry about the rest when we get there.

Much appreciated!

I would not book anything online ... I don't believe their system is reliable, especially outside of Mexico. If you're worried about a cabin ... arrive in La Paz a day or two early and go book ticket and cabin a couple days ahead of departure.

Only time I've ever seen Ferries full was during a big Football tournament vs. Mazatlan and during Easter holiday. And even then, it was just for one or two crossings where things were jammed up.