Dominican Republic - Restrictions

Working in the Dominican Republic

Working in the DR i.e. offering boat watch, chandlery items such as batteries/solar panels etc., renting illegal unregistered moorings etc is not permitted unless you are a resident with a cedula, DR registered company and hold a ports permit.

If hiring long term live-aboards in Luperón (even if they are on the board of the local sailing association) instead of hiring the local DR ports permit contractors who have been working this bay for many years - Papo and Andy - then for your legal protection ask to see proof of the above documents before using their services.

Moorings

It is illegal to own a private mooring in the Dominican Republic without permission from ports.

Fishing

Wider Caribbean's Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)

The Dominican Republic imposes several closed fishing seasons. By law, it is prohibited for anyone to fish, consume, or possess the following marine species during these designated time periods:

• Lobster:  March 1- June 30
• 
Crab:    March 1 – June 30
• 
Conch:  July 1- Oct 31

This also means that these species should not be available for sale nor served at food establishments, markets, or other commercial locations during closed fishing months.

Fishing for parrotfish and sharks is strictly prohibited at all times, year round. Violating these laws will result in hefty fines and imprisonment.

Whales

One of the largest, most exciting, events for the Northern coast of the DR are the North Atlantic Humpback whales that travel down from the Silver Banks every January past Puerto Plata to end up in Samana where the mothers deliver their calves in the interior of the heavily protected marine sanctuary bay, while the males spend time on the outer edges until the end of March before they move on.  If you are arriving or leaving Samana Bay, then you will often be close up to them, say 300 whales at any given time during the season!  Take care and try to keep a safe distance from these huge awesome creatures who often breech! There are also numerous licensed tours available from Marina Puerto Bahia or Samana town.

Last updated:  February 2023