Planning a burial at sea checklist

Planning a burial at sea entails a thoughtful blend of logistical precision and ceremonial significance. At Los Angeles Yacht Charter, we specialize in guiding families through every aspect of this poignant journey. Our dedicated team is committed to ensuring that not only the waters are navigated smoothly, but also that every detail surrounding the service is meticulously attended to. With our support, you can rest assured that your loved one will be honored with a serene and dignified ceremony befitting their memory.

What do I need to know before booking a burial at sea Ash Scattering Service?

Making sure you have the administrative and logistical details are important to verify before confirming your burial at sea arrangements. Once you have these details the company can help direct you to the right options.

Answers to have before booking a burial at sea service

🔲 How many guests would you like to have aboard the boat for the service?

🔲 Do you have a preference on where the scattering will be?

🔲 Get a consensus on a few dates and time your party will be available.

🔲 Do you have the Disposition of Human Remains Permit?

🔲 Decide how much time you will need for your burial at sea service.

To decide on the time needed, think about a few things:

-How many loved ones will you be scattering?

-How many people will want to speak?

-Did you want some time for closure on the sea?

-Will you want to offer snacks and or drinks?

What do I need to book a burial at sea service?

Whoever is confirming and paying for the booking, also known as the “charter” will need to be one signing the confirmation documentation online and be coming on board the vessel (able to show ID).

To finalize the burial at sea service you need:

🔲 Date of service

🔲 Timing of the service

🔲 How long you would like the service to be

🔲 Form of payment (credit card, debit card, venmo, or zelle)

🔲 Disposition of Human Remains permit, or confirmation of it being provided by the funeral home or crematorium establishment

What needs to be arranged after confirming my burial at sea ash scattering?

Before you partake in your burial at sea be sure to arrange the following, so that on the day everything will run smoothly as hoped for.

🔲 Be sure to have the Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit ready, with box #16A Indicating a burial at sea

🔲 Invite your guests. Be sure to make the arrival time no later than 15 minutes before departure time so your guests do not miss the service

🔲 Decide if you would like to have the ashes lowered in a basket (available on most vessels) or placed in an decomposable urn (to be purchased)

🔲 Decide if you would like the crew or family member to place the ashes into the basket.

🔲 Discuss with family what you would like to happen when the ashes are lowered. Do you want everyone to share a memory? Will someone say a prayer? Does everyone prefer to watch and say their goodbyes in silence?

🔲 Decide if you would like the crew or family member to assist in lowering the ashes into the water

Optional things to arrange for a burial at sea

While not necessary, the following are reminders of things possible to arrange for a burial at sea service if the family would like. Every service can be customized to you and your family just be sure to indicate to the company what your hopes are.

🔲 A large printed photo (frames and stands not available on board)

🔲 Decide if you would like to have memorial cards

🔲 Select and download music playlist

🔲 Arrange any food and beverage you would like on the boat for your guests

🔲 Prepare to purchase any additional flowers for throwing into the water (must be biodegradable), to place on the ashes, or as decor (ie: Wreaths or standing sprays)

What to bring on board for the burial at sea?

In the midst of these challenging moments, it’s all too common to overlook important details. To ensure you have everything you need, we suggest assembling all your essentials in the car you’ll be using for the service the day before. This simple step will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute scrambles, ensuring you have everything you desire at hand during this important time.

🔲 Los Angeles Disposition of Human Remains Permit

🔲 The remains of the deceased

🔲 Any additional decor (ex: Flowers or photos)

What Families Say About Their Experience

4.9

Based on 417 reviews

FRENCHIE WATCHES T.

1 week ago

The Sea Burial Service was provided for my 96 year old mother. I was completely in the dark about how we would move forward to honor her. The Los Angeles Yacht Charter organization was Just wonderful! The professionalism as well as complete understanding was amazing! What a Blessing! Thank You!!

Kim

3 weeks ago

We recently hired Los Angeles Yacht Charter for a one-hour charter off the coast of LA for my mom’s burial at sea. From start to finish, the captain and crew struck the perfect balance between respect and lighthearted warmth. They were charming, attentive, and brought just the right amount of gentle humor to the experience, which made an emotional hour feel comforting and special for our family. Everything was handled professionally and with sincere care. We couldn't have asked for a better send-off for my mom, and we are so grateful to the team. Highly recommend.

Marc V.

2 months 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.

2 months ago

Seamless burial at sea experience on a beautiful yacht with kind people all around. We recommend.

Skukura W.

2 months 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.

3 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 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.

5 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.

7 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.

1 year 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

1 year 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

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!

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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.