Burial at Sea & Ash Scattering Options
A burial at sea — including the scattering of a loved one’s ashes — is a deeply personal decision. It is often chosen by families who feel a strong connection to the ocean and want a peaceful, meaningful way to honor a life.
Ash scattering at sea allows family and friends to gather together on the water, share memories, and say goodbye in a calm, natural setting. Many families find that being at sea provides space for reflection, connection, and healing during an emotional time.
To help families plan a burial at sea that feels right for them, we offer a variety of options and enhancements that can be added to your charter. These choices allow you to personalize the experience while maintaining dignity, simplicity, and respect for the ocean.
Create an Experience to Honor and Remember
Personalize your burial at sea with care and intention
Additional Time on Yacht
Time together is especially meaningful on a day like this. Adding time to your charter allows space for reflection, conversation, and shared moments that shouldn’t feel rushed.
Many families choose additional time on the yacht because it creates room to connect — to talk, to remember, and simply to be together. We often recommend at least one extra hour, particularly when family members are traveling from different places or may not see one another again for some time.
With extra time, families may choose to cruise along the coastline, watch for dolphins, enjoy the sunset, or quietly remain together after the scattering. Some even combine the ceremony with a gentle sightseeing or whale-watching experience. Families regularly tell us this additional time becomes one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
Video or Photos – Remember Your Experience
Some families choose to capture their burial at sea through video or photographs, creating a lasting record of a meaningful day. These recordings can be as simple or as detailed as you wish, depending on what feels right for your family.
A video may include the yacht journey, the ceremony itself, and quiet moments shared on the water. For those who prefer something more personalized, post-production options such as music, narration, or gentle transitions can be added to create a thoughtful keepsake.
Professional photographs may also be taken during the charter and shared digitally after the service. Our approach is always discreet and respectful — ensuring the focus remains on the experience, not the camera. Many families appreciate having these images and recordings to reflect on or share with loved ones who were unable to attend.
This option is often chosen by families with loved ones traveling from out of town or unable to be present.
Biodegradable Urns
Some families choose to use a biodegradable urn during a burial at sea. While not required, biodegradable urns offer an option for those who prefer not to see the ashes on the water or who wish to keep the cremains contained during the ceremony.
Biodegradable urns are designed specifically for burial at sea and naturally break down over time without harming the marine environment. They allow the cremains to be returned to the ocean in a respectful and environmentally responsible way.
We offer a variety of biodegradable urns in different styles, shapes, and materials. Many families select an urn based on personal preference, cultural or religious considerations, or a desire for simplicity.
Our staff can help guide you through the available options and explain what to expect during the service. Additional information about environmentally safe urns is available on our biodegradable urns page.
Flowers / Wreaths for Ash Scattering
Flowers and wreaths add a gentle, meaningful presence to an ash scattering at sea. Even a small number of flowers can create a focal point on the water and help families feel connected during the ceremony.
All items placed into the ocean must be fully biodegradable. If families choose to bring their own flowers or wreaths, we ask that they contain no wire, plastic, or non-biodegradable materials, helping protect the marine environment.
Many families select flowers that reflect their loved one’s personality, favorite colors, or cultural traditions. Roses, sunflowers, leis, and custom wreaths are among the most common choices. Providing a single flower for each person on board allows everyone to participate, creating a shared and personal moment of remembrance.
Flowers and wreaths often become one of the most memorable visual moments of the ceremony.
Some suggestions for flowers are traditional roses, sunflowers, wreaths of various sizes and colors, leis are especially nice and personal. It is said when you take off a lei and place it in the water, you are giving your love.
Sea Shells for Saying Goodbye at Sea
This simple act allows everyone on board to take part in the ceremony, rather than simply observing. Families often find that writing and releasing a shell creates a meaningful sense of connection and closure.
Memory shells are fully biodegradable and safe for use at sea. If you would like to include this option during your charter, we are happy to arrange everything in advance and guide you through how it is typically incorporated into the service.
Memory shells are often chosen by families who want each person present to take part in the farewell.
Refreshments and Catering
Light refreshments are often available during a burial at sea, helping families remain comfortable throughout the charter. Water and soft drinks are typically provided at no additional cost.
Families are welcome to bring champagne, wine, or other beverages for a quiet toast in remembrance of their loved one. This is entirely optional and may be incorporated in a way that feels respectful and appropriate for the occasion.
Refreshments are meant to support comfort and togetherness, not distract from the purpose of the gathering.
Special Enhancements
Some families wish to include additional elements during a burial at sea to reflect personal, cultural, or spiritual traditions. These special enhancements can be arranged with care and incorporated in a way that feels appropriate and respectful.
Options may include clergy or spiritual leaders, live music such as bagpipes or a solo instrument, or other meaningful gestures requested by the family. When possible, we work closely with you to ensure these elements are thoughtfully timed and seamlessly integrated into the ceremony.
All enhancements must follow environmental guidelines. We do not allow balloons or any non-biodegradable items to be released into the ocean. Our role is to help you honor your loved one while preserving the dignity of the service and protecting the marine environment.
If you have a special request in mind, we are happy to discuss what may be possible.
Make the Cremains into Stones
Some families choose to transform a portion of cremated remains into smooth, solid stones as an alternative form of remembrance. This option allows loved ones to keep a tangible connection while still choosing to scatter some of the cremains at sea.
Through a specialized process, the cremains are formed into a collection of small stones, typically ranging from natural white to soft blue or gray tones. These stones are solid, clean, and easy to hold, offering a quiet and personal way to remember a loved one.
Many families choose to share the stones among relatives, place them in a bowl at home, or carry one as a keepsake. At least a small portion of the cremains is required, allowing the remainder to be scattered during the burial at sea ceremony.
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- No loose ashes
- Easy to hold and display
- Each collection is 100% your loved one
- Ideal for sharing with family or keeping close at home.
This option is often chosen by families who want both a ceremonial scattering and a lasting personal keepsake.
Here to Help You Plan with Care
Whether you are in the early stages of planning or ready to schedule a service, our licensed professionals are available to speak with you and explain options at your pace. There is no obligation and no pressure — only support and clear information when you need it.
Speak With Us
✉️ info@sandiegoburialatsea.com
Licensed funeral professionals
Serving San Diego & Southern California since 2007
