TMC Commercial Ferry to Baja California
There are two choices of ferry from Mazatlán to Baja California Sur – a passenger orientated ferry and a commercial ferry (TMC). The latter is slightly cheaper and has the advantage that you are allowed to stay with your vehicle during the 18 hour passage. The downside is that although ideally we would want to be parked on the uncovered part of the upper deck, you could be placed anywhere (including the enclosed and very hot/smelly/noisy lower deck – in which case you can’t stay in your vehicle) and sandwiched between HGVs with continuously running refrigeration units. We had read that getting there early was key to a good placement and so we planned to stay the night before our departure in the ferry terminal carpark.
And on that note we departed Durango in good time to descend down to the coast by means of the fast (and expensive) toll road. But half way down we joined the end of a queue – there had been an accident. David wandered down the road to see what was occurring.
Unfortunately, it took about three hours to clear the HGV, which had somehow come to straddle the highway and we arrived at Mazatlán very late in the day. Fortunately, the port security officials let us park inside, for a small fee. The next morning Bertha was weighed and measured before we bought our ticket.
Having all the paperwork in place, we were told to report to the loading dock a 1pm . This gave Dave a few hours to have a another quick look around town and the seafront.
Before 1 pm, we saw that trucks had started to enter the loading dock, so we did the same. Francine had been told that she would have to board as a passenger and not with the truck (which would have meant waiting for more than 3 hours outside, with Dave and Bertha inside!). Blow that, it was hot outside, so Francine hopped into the back,until we had entered the gate. We then went through a check by the secutiry, who had no issue with Francine being inside. Once on the dock, Dave made it known to the loading crew (a number of times!) that we wanted top deck. Being early, we were almost the first ones up and we were directed to a space in the corner which suited us fine. We departed just after sunset and then ate (surprisingly good food) with the truck drivers before retiring for the evening inside Big Bertha. We docked at midday the next day, disembarked and cleared the security checks.
Within 30 minutes of exiting the port, we were parked up on the beach at Tecolote and tucking into some seafood tacos. We spent two nights at Tecolote relaxing after the crossing: swimming, watching the pelicans fish and just chillin’.
Tecolate beach is great. Baja is great this time of year! Enjoy! U all are welcome to stay with us if in chico!
We are coming your way Eric!!
Did you get craned around between photos 003 and 009?
This weeks prize for keen observation goes to…..Alasdair. Our first position was cab towards the back, but that left our bedroom window next to a truck refrigeration unit. So I asked if I could reverse in instead. The loaders agreed to the crazy gringo’s request and I turned around. It proved to be an excellent move.
Talk about sardines! I can’t believe how many vehicles get on the ferry, or how they opened their doors 🤣
Great roads, pity about the nutters driving on them! I did wonder if the divers were the said drivers! I also wondered if they ever miss judge the rocks 🫣
What a lovely sight of the pelicans fishing.
Thank you Pauline xxxx
The divers were quite something.
Enjoy the trip. Just couldn’t make out which diver was you, but very brave David 😂🤣😂🤣😂
Thank you Jean. We are getting good at shipping!
Saw your rig in the Marina hotel parking lot. My dogs may have baptized your wheels😂. I live in the condo building that you are pointing at. If you’re sticking around, come up for a glass of wine at sunset maybe. I’m running around with a couple of German ladies tomorrow (Tuesday) but may be back by sunset.
Cheers
Brian
+52-612-153-0292
Naturally my interest was immediately drawn to those amazing (crazy perhaps) cliff divers! Not sure I’d be game even to just watch!!
Your documentary is so interesting and I know it must come to a close at sometime but what else will we have to keep us enthralled with your adventures. Unless of course you change your minds an decide what you can get us to here! down under! Have a great Christmas where ever BB is parked. Helen