What to expect on a burial at sea Ash Scattering

If you are considering hosting a burial at sea and want to know what to expect, you are not alone. Whether this is your first time attending a burial at sea, planning an ash scattering ceremony, or working with our company for the first time, we are here to answer any questions and guide you through the process.

All burial at sea services are conducted aboard a private yacht charter, reserved exclusively for your group. This allows families a quiet, intimate setting to honor their loved one with privacy, dignity, and care.

A burial at sea is a time-honored tradition that offers families a peaceful and meaningful way to say goodbye. Whether chosen for personal, spiritual, or environmental reasons, this type of memorial provides a unique and deeply moving experience.

Understanding what to expect can bring comfort and clarity during a difficult time.

What Is a Burial at Sea?

A burial at sea is a ceremony in which a loved one’s remains, either cremated or casketed, are respectfully committed to the ocean in accordance with all legal and environmental regulations.

These ceremonies may be:

• Private and attended by family and friends

• Religious or non-religious

• Simple or fully personalized

Because the service takes place on a private chartered vessel, the family or designated representative is responsible for the disposition of the remains during the ceremony. Our crew is present to operate the vessel safely and provide guidance, but the act of scattering or committing the remains is performed by the family or their chosen officiant.

Many families find peace in the natural setting and the symbolism of returning their loved one to the sea.

Before the Ceremony: Planning and Preparation

Proper planning ensures the ceremony goes smoothly and allows families to focus on remembrance rather than logistics.

What you need to bring on board

✔️   Disposition of Los Angeles Human Remains Permit

✔️ Death Certificate

✔️ Cremated remains

✔️ Any personal items for the service, such as music, photos, or memorabilia

Families are responsible for bringing all required documentation and the remains on the day of the service. To help guide you through the process, you can find our burial at sea planning checklist here.

What Happens During a Burial at Sea Ceremony?

Departure and Journey

The ceremony begins as the private yacht departs the harbor. During this time, families may begin preparing the remains for scattering. The journey to the designated scattering location typically takes approximately 20 minutes, providing a calm and reflective start to the service.

The Service

Once the designated location is reached, the captain will stop the vessel and guests may begin the ceremony. As this is a private charter, families have the flexibility to conduct the service in a way that feels most meaningful to them. Depending on the family’s wishes, this may include:

• Words of remembrance

• Prayers or blessings

• Poetry or music

• A moment of silence

Service length will vary depending on the amount of time booked and the type of ceremony planned.

Committal to the Sea

The remains are gently and respectfully released into the ocean by the family or designated individual. Flowers or petals may be scattered on the water, or guests may place flowers individually in commemoration, creating a beautiful and symbolic farewell.

For more ideas on creating a meaningful ceremony, please see our post on how to personalize a burial at sea service.

*An urn is not required to scatter. Guests may bring biodegradable urns or containers if they wish. 

After the Ceremony

Following the service, families may spend additional time on the water before returning to shore, depending on the booking time. The private charter setting allows for quiet reflection, shared memories, and personal moments of closure.

Some families choose to commemorate the location privately or return annually to honor their loved one.