Dove Releases

Burial at Sea Dove Releases

Let spirits fly free with a beautiful dove release service. The dove symbolizes peace, hope, and freedom. As the doves wings flutter into the sky, lose yourself in the serenity of the beautiful burial at sea. Dove releases are a beautiful way to end a burial at sea and Los Angeles Yacht Charter is happy to help families arrange doves so that everything is ready and prepared for them when they board.

How do dove releases work on a burial at sea?

When we arrive at the scattering location, families will have their service and the ashes will be lowered. Afterwards the doves will be brought to the area. The doves are then released, flying above the remains and flocking together and soaring in the sky. The timing of the release can of course always be customized to the families preference.

History of Dove Releases

Dove releases have been used for over 5,000 years. Egyptians started this beautiful practice and it spread across the world, adapting itself to a variety of cultures and eras. There is evidence of dove releases in ancient Greece, China, across the roman empire, and more. Each civilization has their own dove  interpretation, but all highly respect this beacon of light that graces our skies.

Why do people have dove releases at burials at sea?

A dove release can mean different things to families during their service. As the dove is released and begins its journey to some it can feel like they are a part of their loved ones’ next “flight.” For others the doves are a beautiful way of releasing their grief and turning into a beautiful memory. For each group it’s different, and whether the dove release is symbolic or for aesthetic purposes the release is magical to watch and amazes all in attendance.

What do doves symbolize

Grace Peace, Love, Gentleness, Purity, Hope, Spirituality

Dove Meanings to different cultures

Doves are very important in spirituality. Many cultures and religions have dove elements that are important and symbolic. Some examples of doves meaning through a few cultures are as follows.

– Native Americans – While there are of course variations between tribes they were overall thought of as symbols of gentleness and peace. One Cheyenne proverb says “If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove.”

– Ancient Greeks – For the Greeks the dove was a symbol of love, renewal, and immortality.

– Christianity – One of the most prevalent references of the dove release is in the Bible, in the story of Noah. Today the dove continues to represent hope and eternal life.

– Chinese -In China the dove is an important symbol of peace, longevity, faithfulness, love, and the beginning of the spring season.

– Celtic – There is diversity between the Celtic tribes meanings, but overall the dove symbolizes peace and care for all living creatures

4.9
Based on 414 reviews
Marc V.
2 weeks ago
They provided excellent service for our ash scattering funeral event. The crew was polite and professional. Its a little pricey but most funeral type services typically are. I would highly recommend this yacht service for your funeral celebration needs.
Laura E.
4 weeks ago
Seamless burial at sea experience on a beautiful yacht with kind people all around. We recommend.
Skukura W.
1 month ago
My family used LA Yacht Charter for a burial at sea service and I cannot speak more highly of them. The booking process was smooth, communication and customer service was excellent and we had such a wonderful and memorable service for our loved ones. The captain and crew were absolutely lovely - helpful and considerate. I would definitely book with LA Yacht Charter in the future and recommend them for any private boating experience.
Sheena F.
2 months ago
Michael and Dan were wonderful. We did a burial at sea and they made us feel comfortable and explained the process well. Would definitely recommend
Becky G.
3 months ago
Last week we had a burial at Sea. LA Charter at Marina del Rey staff were excellent. Dan and the Captain were friendly and very attentive with the family. Loved how they used a basket for the ashes and rose pedals and allowed us to participate in lowering the basket. Each member of the family also participated in scattering roses! It was beautifully organized and made us feel comfortable. I highly recommend this service with LA Charter!
Julia M.
3 months ago
Captain Mike and Crew Nicolas were the best on my Mom's Memorial at Sea. They knew how to be right off my mom's grandparents' house, where we lowered the basket. We were so pleased and happy, in a sad but celebratory way. And securing the boat, as well as advice on getting the burial license, were great and timely.
Miranda B.
3 months ago
We used Los Angeles Yacht Charter to scatter our mom's ashes off the coast. The boat was perfect, and the crew (Mike & Dan) were so thoughtful and helpful. The person who coordinated everything gave us all the information as far as what to expect so that there were no surprises. Highly recommend!
Leonard J.
3 months ago
It was a excellent time captain Micheal and dockhand Dan was really vocal and helpful. We had an easy time doing the burial at sea.they were very passionate and respectful I would recommend them
Audra K.
4 months ago
Respectful, patient, kind, and accommodating for our scattering of ashes. 10 of us ranging in age from 17-80 years old, departed from San Pedro. Recommend this business highly!!
Tianyi Z.
6 months ago
My experience at sea burial left a deep impression on me. The service was very warm and thoughtful, with each staff member being highly professional, ensuring everything went smoothly. I felt very comfortable, despite the fact that it was a sad occasion.
Ruth H.
12 months ago
In August 2025 we chartered a small yacht for a Burial at sea service. Captain Mike and his assistant were extremely cordial, considerate and friendly. The entire proceeding was managed and carried out on time, professionally and impeccably. I highly recommend this company.
Julie
12 months ago
The experience was memorable. The staff was excellent both during the process of preparing for the scattering at sea and especially during the scattering at sea. Very thoughtful, caring and well organized.
Ashley A.
1 year ago
Very easy to work with (excellent communication from start to finish)! Helped us host a beautiful farewell service for our loved one.
Aravind B.
1 year ago
We used the yacht to scatter out loved one’s ’ashes. The service was impeccable and the staff was very professional. They went above and beyond to make this a great experience. I would recommend them any day and any time.
Jason C.
1 year ago
Nice yacht and Captain and his mate for the service. They were very helpful and explained the process. The boat was nice and they had cold bottled water some cookies and coffee waiting. We opted to have a bagpiper for our service and it was quite spectacular along with the spreading of the ashes with the roses. You would highly recommend this operation
Photo from customer review
Gerard R.
1 year ago
Our family was looking at ways to scatter our parents’ cremated remains at sea, when I found Los Angeles Yacht Charter. While not inexpensive, their prices were reasonable and I was impressed with their professionalism and attention to detail. They have a lot of experience with Burials at Sea and were extremely helpful in guiding us through the process. The basket with rose petals used to scatter the ashes was a nice touch. The Captain and his Mate were extremely helpful in accommodating our requests to make the service more personal. Overall, the experience exceeded our expectations and everything was perfect. My highest recommendations!
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Myitzu S.
1 year ago
Burial at sea for my husband with Los Angeles Yacht Charter was incredible! The Captain and mate were so obliging and the boat trip on a beautiful day was wonderful and brought us the closure and peace we needed. Thank you.
Photo from customer review
RMF
1 year ago
I arranged for an Ashes at Sea service for my brother. I rented a 65' catamaran and we had about 25 people in attendance for this event. From the get-go, no matter who I talked to, emailed or texted at LA Yacht Charter, they were very responsive, accommodating; they answered all my questions... even my repeated questions. I was arranging this from Texas and Yes the boat looks like the picture. It was PERFECT and very well maintained and clean (not fishy). The crew were very kind, caring, helpful... just fantastic. I was a bit overwhelmed just due to the circumstances, but I was able to hook up via Bluetooth to play music through their speakers, which was wonderful. Everyone was super impressed. It was a beautiful day, a heartfelt, beautiful good-bye. I highly HIGHLY recommend Los Angeles Yacht Charter. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Private Yacht Charters Across Southern California

Los Angeles Yacht Charter offers a curated selection of professionally operated private yacht charters across Southern California. Our options accommodate birthdays, celebrations, corporate events, sunset cruises, memorials and burial at sea, with vessels for a variety of group sizes, occasions and budgets.

As a local family business, we provide personal guidance throughout the charter-planning process. Our team will help you choose the right yacht, coordinate the details and make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

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