Looking for a ferry from Guaymas, Sonora, to Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur? This route across the Sea of Cortez has operated in the past, carrying passengers and vehicles between mainland Mexico and the Baja California peninsula. However, its current operating status is uncertain.
Is the Guaymas–Santa Rosalía Ferry Running?
As of November 2026, What’s Up San Carlos has not been able to independently confirm that regular passenger ferry service between Guaymas and Santa Rosalía is operating or accepting reservations.
Baja Ferries suspended its Guaymas–Santa Rosalía route in May 2021. There have been subsequent efforts to restore ferry service, but a June 2025 report from Guaymas news outlet FM105 stated that no official reopening date had been announced.
Another company, Mexferry, maintains a website advertising ferry service between the two ports, including a weekly departure schedule. However, we have not been able to verify whether these sailings are currently taking place.
Important: Do not rely on previously published schedules when planning your trip. Confirm that a specific sailing is operating and that tickets can actually be purchased before making travel arrangements.
Mexferry: Guaymas to Santa Rosalía
Mexferry advertises passenger and vehicle transportation between Guaymas and Santa Rosalía, with an approximately 10-hour crossing of the Gulf of California.
Its website lists scheduled departures from both ports and describes facilities for passengers, vehicles and commercial cargo.
Because we have not independently confirmed current operations, we are not reproducing its advertised timetable or quoting ticket prices as current information.
Travellers wishing to investigate this route can consult the following operator information:
- Website: www.mexferry.com
- Published schedules: Mexferry services and schedules
- Telephone: +52 622 222 0204 or +52 622 222 8486
- Email: mexferry@maritimex.com.mx
- Published Guaymas office address: Terminal de Transbordadores, Recinto Portuario, Colonia Punta Arena, Guaymas, Sonora.
These contact details are published by Mexferry. What’s Up San Carlos has not independently verified that its ticket office or passenger service is currently operating.
Alternative Ferry Routes to Baja California Sur
If you are travelling from San Carlos or Guaymas to Baja California Sur, established ferry alternatives depart from Topolobampo and Mazatlán in the neighbouring state of Sinaloa.
These crossings arrive at Pichilingue, the ferry port near La Paz, rather than Santa Rosalía. If Santa Rosalía is your destination, you will need to arrange onward transportation north along the Baja California peninsula.
Topolobampo to La Paz
Topolobampo, near Los Mochis, is the more northerly of the two Sinaloa departure ports and is generally the more convenient starting point for travellers driving south from Guaymas or San Carlos.
Baja Ferries offers passenger and vehicle ferry service between Topolobampo and Pichilingue, near La Paz.
Visit Baja Ferries’ official routes and schedules page to check current departures, or see its fares and booking information.
Mazatlán to La Paz
Mazatlán, farther south in Sinaloa, also has a ferry connection to La Paz. It may be useful for travellers who are already visiting Mazatlán or approaching from farther south in Mexico.
Check Baja Ferries for the latest availability, departure dates, passenger fares and vehicle transportation options.
Another operator, Transportación Marítima de California (Ferry TMC), advertises crossings between Sinaloa and La Paz, including vehicle and freight transportation. Check directly with the company about passenger eligibility and booking requirements.
Planning tip: Before booking, compare the total journey, not just the ferry crossing. Include the drive to the departure port, check-in time, the crossing itself, disembarkation and any additional driving required in Baja California Sur.
Taking a Vehicle on the Ferry
Travelling with your own vehicle can be convenient for exploring Baja California Sur, but confirm all requirements with the ferry operator before making a reservation.
Questions worth asking include:
- Can you book space for your particular vehicle, pickup, motorcycle, RV or trailer?
- What vehicle dimensions and weight restrictions apply?
- Which identification, vehicle registration and insurance documents are required?
- How far in advance must passengers and vehicles arrive for check-in?
- Are cabins or reserved seating available?
- What are the rules for travelling with pets?
- What are the cancellation and refund policies if the sailing changes?
Travellers driving foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico should also review their insurance and vehicle documentation before travelling.
See our Mexico Auto Insurance guide for more information, including coverage available through our advertiser Sanborn/Budget Mexico Insurance.
If you are bringing a pet, see our Travelling with Your Pet guide for general Mexico travel requirements. Ferry companies may have additional rules.
Where Is the Guaymas Ferry Terminal?
The Guaymas ferry terminal is within the commercial port area of Guaymas, in Colonia Punta Arena. Historically, the Guaymas–Santa Rosalía route used the Terminal de Transbordadores.
The published terminal address is:
Terminal de Transbordadores
Recinto Portuario, Zona Franca S/N
Colonia Punta Arena
Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
Find the Guaymas ferry terminal on Google Maps.
Note: This is a historical ferry-terminal location, not confirmation that a passenger ticket office or active sailing is available there today. Do not travel to the port expecting to purchase a ticket without first confirming service.
Guaymas Ferry: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a ferry directly from Guaymas to Santa Rosalía?
The route has operated in the past, and Mexferry continues to advertise it. However, as of November 2026, we have not independently verified regular operating departures or available reservations.
How long is the Guaymas–Santa Rosalía crossing?
Historical services took approximately 8 to 10 hours. Mexferry advertises a crossing of around 10 hours, but a current operating schedule has not been confirmed.
Can I take my car on the ferry?
Vehicle transportation has historically been available on this route. Mexferry advertises vehicle capacity, but you should not assume that vehicle space is currently available without confirming an actual sailing and reservation.
What is the best ferry alternative if Guaymas service is unavailable?
For travellers starting in San Carlos or Guaymas, the Topolobampo–La Paz crossing is usually the more practical alternative to investigate first. Mazatlán–La Paz is another option. Check official operator websites for current schedules, fares and vehicle availability.
Planning Your Trip Through San Carlos and Guaymas
Whether you are passing through the area on your way to Baja California Sur or spending some time on the Sonoran coast, you’ll find additional information in our local travel guides:
- Guaymas, Sonora: Attractions and Visitor Information
- Driving to San Carlos, Mexico
- Mexico Toll Roads and Travel Information
- Where to Stay in San Carlos and Guaymas
If your travel plans include an overnight stay or a vacation in San Carlos, consider Marinaterra Hotel & Spa or San Carlos Plaza Hotel.
Ferry Service Updates
What’s Up San Carlos will update this page when reliable information becomes available about the Guaymas–Santa Rosalía ferry route, including any confirmed reopening, operating schedules or changes in service.
If you have recently taken this ferry or have verifiable information about current departures, please contact What’s Up San Carlos.
Last updated: November 8, 2026. Ferry operations, schedules and fares can change. Always verify directly with the operator before making travel arrangements.
