The Department of Parks announces that the whale-watching season starts 15 January through 30 March 2000. Only boats with permission from the Department of Parks can carry out whale-watching trips within the marine mammals sanctuaries of the North Coast. The boats need to meet whale-watching regulations that are being enforced in both the Silver Banks (north of Puerto Plata) and the Bay of Samana. Airplanes cannot fly lower than 1,000 meters within the Sanctuary, as established by Law 67. The rates for visiting the areas and participating in whale-watching in Samana Bay are RD$20 per person (Dominicans are exempt from the payment). The tickets can be purchased at the Department of Parks, in the ticket booths at the ports of departure or directly from the companies that provide maritime transport and those that sell excursions. For more information, contact the Department of Parks, Tels. 472-4102, 472-3911 and 472-4104, Fax 472-4012 or email dnpballenas@yahoo.com
