Burial at Sea – San Diego Ash Scattering

Funeral Board Licensed

For families who have not yet completed cremation, we can assist through our licensed sister funeral home, Funerals Your Way (FD #2188).

This ensures proper care, compliance, and seamless coordination prior to burial at sea.

Your one point of contact (saving your time and money) for all your funeral needs.

San Diego Ash Scattering & Cremations

San Diego Burial at Sea assists family by creating a space for healing on the ocean, as cremated remains are scattered at sea off the California coast on yachts / boats. We serve San Diego as well as many other locations and are the Premier Ash Scattering – Sea Burial Provider in San Diego.

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Our sister company “Funerals Your Way (FD: 2188) is a fully licensed Funeral home providing cremations, burials and memorial services. Our funeral directors on staff ensure the paperwork is done correctly.

Providing small intimate dignified services on luxury Yachts / Boats from various southern California cities. Specializing in small groups (1 to 48 people generally) – you have the complete yacht to yourself.

Captains are licensed by the USCG

Sister company Funeral Your Way is a licensed California Funeral Home

One contact point for Cremation and Ash scattering

Placing flowers and wreaths in the water is common during a burial at sea - ash scattering

Reasons to Scatter Ashes at Sea – Burial at Sea

Provides priceless special lifetime memories and a bonding and sharing time for the family. The privacy of being on yacht makes this possible as opposed to viewing from shore. Do not rob yourself of this wonderful experience.

A time to grieve, reflect and have your spirits uplifted in a beautiful peaceful setting. Wildlife such as dolphins and sea lions are often near by and come to investigate.

We have several ash scattering locations, water is usually very calm and if the sun catches the ashes just right, they will sparkle as you watch them disperse.

It is a very clean process as the ashes and rose petals are lowered to the ocean surface. Your loved one is becoming one with the ocean – as the scattered ashes disperse the rose petals float in the current. You will be able to get pictures that last a lifetime.

Some families are concerned about getting sea sick, but this is extremely rare. We generally use very large yachts which have the tendency to be very stable as well our usual scattering location is in very quiet – lake like – waters. Probably 90% of the charter duration is within the protected waters of San Diego Bay. Even for families who choose to venture out further into open ocean, the southern Californian waters are seldom an issue regarding sea sickness. If however, you are very sensitive to getting sea sick you should take precautions before your ash scattering charter.

Cremation and Ash Scattering at Sea

Increasingly families are choosing cremation and burial at sea (ash scattering) for their funeral selection.

Not only is it significantly less expensive, rich in nautical background and preserves land usage, but is a celebration of life – saying goodbye in a peaceful beautiful setting.

The ocean is majestic and surrounds all on it with beauty. Our ash scattering ceremonies are performed from a variety of locations off the San Diego Coast such as Point Loma, La Jolla, Ocean Beach Pier, Crystal Pier, off Cabrillo Monument on Point Loma. If you have a specific location to scatter we would be pleased to accommodate your wishes.

After the ash scattering the exact GPS position of the burial ceremony is recorded. This information is used to complete the memorial certificate which will be sent to the family – generally within a few hours of the scattering. Additional sea ash scattering options can be provided as requested to make your event more unique.

For additional question have have a look at our FAQ page.

San Diego Burial at Sea - Point Loma Lighthouse

Burial at sea with no remains is also common and is done when it is not possible to retrieve remains – in the case of a disaster where no body is found.

A memorial service can be performed and flowers placed in the water. Although not strictly a burial at sea, it does provide the family and friends with a form of closure to aid in the grieving process.

Feelings After Ash Scattering at Sea

Feeling are complex – difficult to understand and control – they can rule us. We have had a lot of experience with families and the burial at sea – ash scattering – experience. Your experience is unique and may be different but we have found that ash scattering leaves the families with a tremendous sense of closure and peace.

We think the reason for this is the letting go of the loved one in such a beautiful setting. The ocean is beautiful, continues forever and teams with life.

We often have sea-lions, dolphins or an occasion a whale appear. It is difficult to not be overwhelmed by the ocean’s beauty.

Many families feel a sense of greater peace after a burial at sea – it is our hope that you will also.

Why More Families Are Choosing Ash Scattering at Sea

Ash scattering at sea is becoming one of the most meaningful and widely chosen ways to honor a loved one. With cremation now selected by nearly 62% of Americans (an higher in California)—families are moving toward more natural, personal forms of memorial. By 2045, the national cremation rate is expected to reach over 82%, making cremation the primary choice for most families.

As cremation rises, so does the desire for meaningful alternatives to cemeteries. For those who loved the ocean, boating, or the outdoors, burial at sea offers peace, beauty, and emotional resonance. Many find comfort in the open sky, gentle waves, and presence of marine life. This form of farewell has also been selected by notable individuals such as Robin Williams, Steve McQueen, Rock Hudson, Neil Armstron and John F. Kennedy, Jr., underscoring its timeless appeal.

We’ve served families from every U.S. state and abroad—including Canada, Europe, and even Japan—many of whom travel to Southern California because of its significance or family ties. A woman once flew in from Japan solely for an ash scattering ceremony, then returned home that same day—demonstrating just how powerful this experience can be.

Ash scattering is often more affordable than traditional burial, and aligns with eco-conscious and spiritual values. With no need for a cemetery plot, it offers freedom and flexibility while honoring a loved one in a truly personal way. As the tide of tradition changes, scattering at sea offers a graceful return to nature—and a farewell as vast and beautiful as the ocean itself.

We receive cremains for across the US for a burial at sea

📍 Available Departure Cities for Ash Scattering at Sea Services

Our primary home port and office are located in San Diego, where we coordinate and depart for ash scattering and burial at sea services. Most ceremonies launch from the San Diego harbor area, including Shelter Island, Harbor Island, and Mission Bay, depending on conditions and family preferences.

In addition to San Diego, we assist families with ash scattering and burial at sea services departing from Dana Point, Newport Beach, San Pedro, Marina del Rey, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach.

If you do not see your specific location listed, please contact us — we are often able to accommodate additional Southern California departure ports.