I took the TMC Ferry from La Paz, Baja to Mazatlan on the mainland because I am traveling with my dog. They allowed her to ride in the van along with me. TMC is the commercial ferry and was primarily loaded with truck drivers. A few other overlanders were on board as well. The alternative is Baja Ferries which looked really nice.

The entire process was really easy. I did the trip in early February and the weather was mild. It could be much hotter in other months and more difficult if you have no air conditioning or means of keeping cool in the camper.

You can at least get out with the dog and walk around the deck. The ferry rides overnight so you catch the coolest part of the day possible. It’s primarily filled with commercial truckers who all were very nice.

Here’s how to get your passage booked and where you can hang out until the voyage begins.

Get Your TIP for Mexico

You may have done this already. I waited as you don’t need a TIP for Baja. You can easily get it done at the ferry terminal however. Make sure you get your passport stamped and get your FMM tourist card at the border though. You will need these to get your TIP. I crossed in Tecate and you could easily drive through without doing this part, Stop after crossing the border, walk back to the Aduana and get your stamp.

For the TIP, head to the ferry just outside of La Paz. I drove the Malecon through La Paz, stopped for lunch then headed to the terminal. There is only one entrance to the ferry area. Pull in and turn left. You will grab a ticket for parking and the arm will raise to enter. Park and walk across the street to the only building.

As you approach the building, turn right and go to the farthest office window at the end of the building. It’s just past a TMZ Ferry office (not the office you need for tickets).

I gave him my passport, registration and tourist card. He sent me to the little office where the parking ticket guy sits to make a copy of each. The copies cost around 3 pesos.

I went back and he filled out TIP, took my credit card and gave me the receipt for the TIP with a decal for my window. The guy spoke decent English, was friendly and it took me about 15 minutes to complete. Pay for parking on your way back through. I think mine was 22 pesos or so.

The TIP was 56 USD and they put a 200 dollar hold on my credit card. I will get that returned after canceling at the next border.

I did all of this just before the office closed on a holiday weekend. They were actually open on a Saturday. The Ferry does not run on Sunday so I had a day to kill.

Camping by the Ferry

I stayed right on the beach at Pichilingue. It’s right by the ferry with a few small restaurants. The beach was fairly busy being a holiday weekend but everyone was very nice and it would quiet down at night. Felt very safe here.

The Ferry Ticket

I returned on Monday at about 1:30 pm. Pull into the same and only entrance at the ferry but turn right for the Aduana this time. The far right two lanes say “nothing to declare”. Ener through one and they will check your Passport, TIP and do a quick vehicle inspection. It was fast and easy.

Get back in the car and drive right past the TMC Ferry and Baja Ferries offices. You will approach the guys at the weigh area. They will take some basic info, you drive ont he scale adn they give you a white receipt that you will need to purchase a ferry ticket.

Park by the scale and walk to the office you just passed. You can’t miss it. Enter and approach a counter with your passport and the white slip from the scales. They will ask how many passengers. I mentioned the dog and they did not seem to care.

The counter people were very nice, typed up my info, took my credit card and passed back the ticket with a dinner and breakfast voucher. The whole thing took about 15 minutes.

Boarding the Ferry

It’s pretty obvious where the ferry is and people will point you in the right direction if you need help. I managed to turn the wrong way several times but it was more user error than anything. You pull up to the ferry and park in line. They loaded a bunch of trailers on the bottom end. Eventually, the guy waived me forward and directed me to the top. I drove up and they guide you to a specific parking spot. It’s open air on top. Some truck engines are running but overall it’s not too bad.

You can walk around outside. I walked the dog on the deck with all of the cars. Skipped dinner and made my own in the van. Otherwise, you just hang out. For a very long time. It’s a good idea to wear yourself out before the trip so you can just crash and wake up for breakfast before landing in Mazatlan.

The Exit Process

Leaving the ferry is simple and it happens quickly. You’ll know when it’s time as the diesel engines fire up all around you. The workers will direct you off the ferry.

There was an informal checkpoint and the guy just asked where I am from before waving me through. After leaving the yard, you hang a right and the road will curve back left. You are immediately hurled into the busy Mazatlan traffic. The roads are full of taxi drivers and things are happening quickly.

At this point, you can either jump off the busy streets and grab a hotel or do like I did and jet through the traffic and on out of town. I caught the highway and drove all the way through Tepic and on to Laguna de Santa Maria del Oro which was a good 4-5 hours on the road.

Resources

TMC Ferry – I didn’t get much use from the website. The best thing you can do is just show up, get your TIP, get weighed, buy your ticket and drive on the boat.

Desk to Glory – They have a great photo showing the locations for everything. It’s pretty easy to figure once you hit the ground but the photo will help confirm where to go.