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YOU DON'T NEED A RENTAL CAR

Many of our out-of-state participants fly in the day before pelagic trips.  The airport is a 10-minute cab ride from the harbor where both Grande and Searcher are located.  The Ramada Inn at Fisherman's Landing (see below) has a free shuttle from the airport.  Grande overnight trips and Searcher multi-day trips return to the dock promplty at the time according to that trip's itinerary, so you can safely book a flight out anytime two hours later than the trip's posted return time. Upon request, we'll coordinate shared-taxi-vans and have them waiting for you at the landing when you disembark.   It doesn't get better than that!

INEXPENSIVE NEARBY ACCOMMODATIONS

Many of our out-of-town trip participants like the Dolphin Motel -- an inexpensive, yet adequate, motel directly across the street from Point Loma Sportfishing and Fisherman's Landing (where both Grande and Searcher depart).  Rates are $55 to $70 a night.  The Dolphin gets good reviews on Trip Advisor.  There are plenty of restaurants (see below) bars and grocery stores within walking distance of the Dolphin or Ramada (see below) if you choose not to rent a car.

The Ramada Limited is a block north of Fisherman's Landing. Celia Condit, owner of Searcher Natural History Tours, has been making lodging recommendations for a decade and says:  Terry, I always recommend the Ramada Limited right next door to the Dolphin -- a little less funky, a little more mainstream - moderate prices; they have airport shuttle pick-up and drop-off, a parking lot, and an attached bar.  (619) 225-9461.  Website  Ramada Limited San Diego Airport 1403 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, California 92106   

RECOMMENDED NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANTS (walking distance)

Point Loma Seafoods
A local institution!  Fresh seafood plates, sandwiches, and sushi; smoked fish specialties; counter service, lunch only; beer and wine
2805 Emerson Street (on the waterfront)         (619) 223-1109

Pizza Nova
Pizza, salads, and pasta dishes; casual atmosphere; wine and beer; lunch and dinner. Next door to Searcher's dock.
5120 North Harbor Drive                 (619) 226-0268

Old Venice
Italian fare; lovely outdoor dining patio; cozy and candlelit full bar; lunch and dinner
2910 Canon Street                       (619) 222-5888

Luna Notte
Mediterranean bistro; beer and wine list; intimate setting; lunch and dinner
2833 Avenida de Portugal                        (619) 523-1301

Con Pane Rustic Breads and Café
Delicious breads, scones, and cookies baked on site; coffee drinks and gourmet sandwiches; relax and read a newspaper, or get a loaf to go!
1110 Rosecrans Street                   (619) 224-4344

Miguel's Cocina Mexican Food
Large selection of Mexican specialites; full bar; lunch and dinner.
2912 Shelter Island Drive                       (619) 224-2401

NAUTICAL BOOKS, MAPS, AND GIFTS
Seabreeze Limited, 1254 Scott Street            (619) 223-8989

PHARMACY, TOLIETRIES, SUNDRIES, AND GIFTS
Point Loma/Shelter Island Drug, 1105 Rosecrans  (619) 223-8181