Baja Ferry to La Paz
I decided the direction my Motorcycle Adventure would take…Baja. I have heard so many good things about Baja, such as how amazing and exciting it is. Years ago I had been to Cabo, but that was a direct flight in and out.
Rebel, not being equipped with dirt tires, limited travel choices to the two paved highways. Oh darn, I will have to make another trip with a dual sport bike.
The Baja Ferry schedule runs three times per week out of Mazatlan. Currently, the days are Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday departing at 5:00p.m. I walked to the Ferry Terminal and purchased my reservation. I was lucky with reserving two days ahead, as I was still able to get a cabin.
Arrive Early!
The morning of my ferry reservation, I had time to walk to the Malecon and have breakfast at Looney Bean. Incredibly relaxing sitting at the ocean enjoying a coffee and a wrap for breakfast. The rest of the day would drag out just a bit…
My check out from Hotel Posada 53 was 12:00 p.m. I had nothing else on my agenda, so I headed down to the ferry terminal. Sure glad I did in the end. The information I received when booking the reservation was totally different from how the process actually went.
First, the line up for a weight. The scale attendant gives you a scale ticket after weighing you and your motorbike. Then, back you go to the reservation office. The weight was entered into their system, and I was handed my official tickets.
When I booked the reservation I was told to arrive three hours early, so 2:00p.m. With all of the back and forth, and waiting in line-ups, I was glad I arrived two hours earlier than their suggestion.
Loading Time
Next step was lining up behind the main buildings. From there, we were directed to line up for loading.
Watching the semi’s load was quite interesting…a lot of them reversed up the ramps. Not at all like B.C. Ferries that load and unload from either end lol.
Motorcyclists are expected to bring their own tie-down straps for the voyage. Bring two for sure. Three is even better. It is really dependent on where they park your bike if you want to use two or three straps. Be sure to bring whatever you need for the night off of your bike. Travelers are not allowed back down to the vehicle decks once the ferry sets sail.
I was on the ferry and Rebel tied and secured by 2:30p.m. Baja Ferry workers directed us to reception on one of the upper decks. There, you receive your cabin assignment. The cabins are a comfortable size, have an in-cabin bathroom, and the beds are somewhat comfy.
The ticket price includes dinner and breakfast. Dinner is served early, between 3:30p.m.-5:00p.m. I felt like I was in a high school cafeteria again. Breakfast on this sailing turned out to be coffee and pastries.
Sunset happened very soon after departure. And it was spectacular!!
After a short nap in my cabin, I went back to the restaurant. There was a show and entertainment for travelers. I bought a cappuccino, watch for a few minutes, and returned to my cabin.
The voyage was quite smooth. The gentle rocking back and forth was soothing while I slept most of the voyage.
Next…arriving in La Paz…