Baja Ferries provides essential maritime connections from Baja California Sur to mainland Mexico, linking La Paz with Topolobampo (near Los Mochis) and Mazatlán. These crossings offer travelers a direct and convenient alternative to long overland journeys.

Crossing the Sea of Cortez is more than just transportation; it’s an unforgettable adventure. These crossings offer travelers a chance to relax, enjoy the open sea, and take in spectacular coastal scenery while moving efficiently from Baja California Sur to mainland Mexico.

Passengers enjoy amenities aboard, air-conditioned lounges, comfortable seating, private cabins, meals, and vehicle transport. This makes the service ideal for families, road trippers, and cargo transport, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey across the Sea of Cortez.

The routes also offer stunning scenery.

Travelers can admire rugged Baja coastlines, sandy beaches, and deep-blue waters. Wildlife sightings, including dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, are common, while sunrises and sunsets over the sea provide unforgettable visual highlights during the crossings.

Baja Ferries’ routes and schedules

La Paz – Mazatlán – La Paz

  • Duration: Approximately 12–16 hours
  • Frequency: 3 times per week
  • Distance: About 200 mi (370 km)

La Paz – Topolobampo – La Paz

  • Duration: Approximately 8 hours
  • Frequency: Daily, except Saturdays
  • Distance: About 128 mi (206 km)

Santa Rosalía – Guaymas – Santa Rosalia (Suspended)

Previously, Baja Ferries operated a route between Santa Rosalía and Guaymas. However, this service was suspended in May 2021. Travelers now need to use the La Paz–Topolobampo or La Paz–Mazatlán routes to access the mainland.

For more information, visit the official Baja Ferries website.

The ferry from La Paz to Mazatlán connects Baja California Sur with mainland Mexico over the Sea of Cortez. Departing from Pichilingue Port, the vessel sails across roughly 560 km to Mazatlán, offering travelers a direct and scenic link to the mainland.

The journey lasts about 14–16 hours, allowing passengers to rest in standard seating or book private cabins. The ferry provides air-conditioned lounges, entertainment, and meals, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable overnight trip across calm waters.

Vehicle transport is available for cars, motorcycles, and RVs, making it ideal for overlanders. Mazatlán port is well-located for onward travel to Sinaloa cities, tourist areas, and even Copper Canyon excursions, providing both convenience and scenic views during arrival.

Schedule and frequency

Baja Ferries operates the La Paz to Topolobampo route six days a week, with departures from La Paz at 1:30 PM and from Topolobampo at 11:00 PM. There is no service on Saturdays, so travelers should plan their trips accordingly to avoid delays.

Passengers are advised to arrive at the port at least one hour before departure. Travelers with vehicles may need extra time for inspection and boarding, ensuring a smooth embarkation process and avoiding last-minute complications before the journey.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. This ensures preferred departure times, cabins, and vehicle spots. The ferry accommodates both passengers and cargo, offering a reliable, comfortable, and scenic crossing to the mainland.

Pricing and amenities

Ticket prices for the La Paz to Topolobampo ferry vary depending on the type of accommodation and whether passengers are traveling with a vehicle. Standard adult tickets without a cabin are priced at approximately $67 USD, while tickets including a cabin are higher.

For travelers with vehicles, additional fees apply based on the size and type of the vehicle.

The ferry offers a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, air-conditioned lounges, and onboard entertainment (movies and music). Meals are included in the ticket price, providing a taste of local cuisine during the journey.

For those seeking additional comfort, private cabins are available for an extra charge. These cabins offer a private space to rest and relax during the crossing, making the journey more comfortable for overnight travelers or those seeking more privacy.

Scenic highlights during the crossing

The ferry journey from La Paz to Topolobampo offers passengers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, known for its rich marine life and clear blue waters. Travelers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Baja California coastline, with its rugged cliffs and serene beaches.

Passengers may spot various marine animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, adding an element of excitement to the journey. The calm waters of the Sea of Cortez provide a smooth sailing experience, allowing travelers to relax and take in the natural beauty surrounding them.

As the ferry approaches Topolobampo, the landscape transitions to lush greenery, offering a picturesque arrival. The Topolobampo port is situated near the Sierra Madre Occidental, providing a dramatic backdrop as the ferry docks, marking the end of a memorable maritime journey.

The ferry from La Paz to Mazatlán connects Baja California Sur with mainland Mexico, crossing roughly 560 km of the Sea of Cortez. Departing from Pichilingue Port, the route provides a direct and scenic maritime link to the mainland.

Travelers can enjoy a smooth overnight journey of 14–16 hours. The ferry is equipped with comfortable seating, air-conditioned lounges, entertainment, and onboard meals. Private cabins are also available for a more restful and private experience during the crossing.

The service accommodates cars, motorcycles, and RVs, making it ideal for overlanders and road trippers. Mazatlán port provides easy access to Sinaloa cities, tourist attractions, and onward travel options, combining convenience with remarkable sea views.

Schedule and frequency

Departures from La Paz occur three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7:00 PM. From Mazatlán, departures are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:00 PM, allowing passengers to plan trips with flexibility around their schedules.

Travelers should arrive at least one hour before departure for boarding and security checks. Those with vehicles need extra time for inspection and loading, ensuring a smooth start to the journey and avoiding delays at the port.

Advance ticket booking is strongly recommended, especially during holidays and peak seasons. This ensures the availability of preferred cabins, seating, and vehicle spots. The ferry provides a reliable link for both leisure travelers and those transporting cargo across the Sea of Cortez.

Pricing and amenities

  • Standard adult tickets start at approximately $90 USD.
  • Vehicle transport begins around $195 USD, varying by vehicle type and weight.

Onboard amenities include comfortable seating, air-conditioned lounges, entertainment like music or movies, and onboard restaurants serving local cuisine. Passengers can enjoy meals included in ticket prices or purchase snacks and drinks during the journey.

Cabin options provide extra privacy and comfort, perfect for overnight travelers or families. The ferry is designed to handle passengers and vehicles efficiently, making the La Paz–Mazatlán crossing a convenient and enjoyable travel experience.

Scenic highlights during the crossing

The crossing offers stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, with clear blue waters and abundant marine life. Passengers may spot dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds, providing memorable wildlife encounters during the voyage.

Panoramic vistas of the Baja coastline appear as cliffs, beaches, and rugged terrain pass by. Sunrise and sunset create breathtaking colors across the water, offering ideal moments for photography and sightseeing along the journey.

As the ferry approaches Mazatlán, the scenery shifts to the lush mainland coast with hills and urban areas visible in the distance. This transition provides a picturesque arrival, marking the end of a scenic and comfortable overnight voyage.