About the Experience
A burial at sea from San Pedro gives family and friends a private setting to gather on the water and say goodbye to a loved one. After departing the harbor, the captain takes the vessel offshore for the ash scattering, with time for reflection, music, readings, prayers or other meaningful traditions. The captain and crew take care of the vessel and can assist your family during the service when needed.
Burial at Sea Locations From San Pedro
A burial at sea charter departing from San Pedro can reach several scattering areas along the Southern California coast. The appropriate location depends on the service you select, ocean and weather conditions, and the captain’s discretion.
San Pedro & Point Fermin
For families looking for a shorter memorial cruise, ash scattering can take place in the waters off San Pedro or near the Point Fermin area. These options keep the service closer to the harbor while still providing time on the water for the scattering and remembrance.
Terranea & Point Vicente
Families who would like to travel farther along the coast can arrange a longer cruise toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula, including the coastline near Terranea or Point Vicente. These services allow additional time together on the water before returning to San Pedro.
Catalina Island
A longer burial at sea charter can travel toward Catalina Island for families who would like the scattering to take place away from the mainland. This service takes about 4 hours total.
Choosing a Scattering Location
If a particular coastal area is meaningful to your family, let us know when you inquire. We can confirm the available service, charter length and current pricing for that location. All routes remain subject to weather, ocean conditions and the captain’s discretion.
San Pedro Burial at Sea Boat
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Personalize the Memorial
Every farewell is personal. Honor your loved one with live music or a symbolic dove release, creating a meaningful experience for family and friends.
Harpist
$350
A live harpist can provide gentle music during your memorial on the water. Available as an optional addition.
Dove release
$300 for 20 doves
A dove release can add a symbolic moment of remembrance to the memorial. Available as an optional addition.
Bagpiper
$350
A professional bagpiper can provide live music during the memorial for families who would like to incorporate this tradition.
Where to Gather After a Burial at Sea in San Pedro
After a burial at sea, some families choose to spend additional time together nearby. San Pedro has several restaurants and gathering places where families can continue spending time together after the service.
22nd Street Landing
Located on the San Pedro waterfront overlooking Cabrillo Marina, 22nd Street Landing offers private and semi-private banquet spaces for families planning a gathering after the service.
J.Trani’s Ristorante
A longtime San Pedro Italian restaurant, J.Trani’s offers a traditional sit-down setting for families who would like to continue spending time together after the memorial.
The Whale & Ale
Located in downtown San Pedro, The Whale & Ale offers private dining and a relaxed gastropub setting for families who would like to continue spending time together after the service.
Burial at Sea Insights
Planning a Burial at Sea in San Pedro?
San Pedro Burial at Sea FAQs
Tell us your preferred date, group size and whether you are considering a local San Pedro scattering or a longer coastal route. We’ll help you confirm the available charter length, current pricing and vessel availability for your memorial.
Where do San Pedro burial at sea cruises depart from?
San Pedro burial at sea services depart from the San Pedro waterfront. Exact meeting and boarding instructions for your vessel are provided after booking.
How many guests can attend a San Pedro burial at sea?
The San Pedro passenger boat can accommodate groups of up to 25 guests. Children and infants count toward the vessel’s total passenger capacity.
How long is a burial at sea from San Pedro?
The charter length depends on your group size and the scattering location you choose. A local San Pedro scattering is the shortest option, while services toward Point Fermin, the Palos Verdes coastline, Point Vicente or Catalina require additional travel time. We can confirm the appropriate charter length when you inquire.
Where can ashes be scattered when departing from San Pedro?
Depending on the service selected, burial at sea charters from San Pedro can travel to scattering areas off San Pedro, Point Fermin, the coastline near Terranea, Point Vicente and toward Catalina Island. Routes and scattering locations are subject to ocean and weather conditions and the captain’s discretion.
Can we scatter ashes near Terranea or Point Vicente?
Yes. Longer charters can travel along the Palos Verdes coastline toward the Terranea and Point Vicente areas. The captain determines an appropriate offshore scattering location based on the selected service and conditions on the day.
Can we scatter ashes near Catalina Island from San Pedro?
A longer charter can travel toward Catalina Island for an ash scattering away from the mainland. Because this requires considerably more travel time than a local San Pedro service, ask about Catalina when inquiring so we can confirm the charter length and current availability.
Do I need a permit to scatter ashes at sea from San Pedro?
Los Angeles County requires a Disposition of Human Remains Permit for scattering cremated remains. The family or person responsible for the cremated remains should obtain the permit before the charter. It can generally be obtained through the crematory or the Los Angeles County Vital Records Office. Learn more about the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit →
Can we personalize the memorial?
Yes. Families may include meaningful elements such as music, readings, prayers or flowers. Depending on availability, optional services such as a harpist, bagpiper or dove release may also be available.
Can we bring flowers or rose petals?
Rose petals are included for the ash-scattering ceremony. Families are also welcome to bring natural flowers or additional petals if they would like to incorporate them into the memorial.
What happens if weather or ocean conditions make the charter unsafe?
The captain has final authority over vessel safety. If the service cannot take place because of an NOAA warning or the captain deems it unsafe, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a refund in accordance with the booking agreement.
Who scatters the ashes during the service?
The family or legally authorized person conducts the scattering and remains responsible for the cremated remains. The captain and crew operate the vessel and can assist with the scattering process when needed.
Can we gather somewhere in San Pedro after the service?
Yes. Families who would like to spend additional time together can find restaurants and gathering spaces around San Pedro. We have included several nearby options above that may accommodate family or private gatherings.
Are children included in the guest count?
Yes. Children and infants count toward the vessel’s total passenger capacity and should be included when providing your guest count. Let us know the ages of young children when inquiring so we can confirm the appropriate life jackets are available.
How far in advance should I book a burial at sea in San Pedro?
If you have a specific date or departure time in mind, we recommend booking as early as possible. Weekends and popular dates may fill sooner, although some San Pedro services can be arranged on shorter notice when the vessel is available. Availability does not place the vessel on hold; your reservation is confirmed once the required payment has been received and you have received confirmation from Los Angeles Yacht Charter.