Recent Blog Posts

By Gary Jackson • August 8, 2026
Choosing an offshore burial service is a deeply personal decision. Many people see this as an ideal way to honor their loved one, offer a beautiful farewell, and choose a peaceful place amid the ocean’s scenery. But choosing the best offshore burial at sea service provider is a critical step in the planning process. People […] The post What Questions Should You Ask a Burial at Sea Service Provider? appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • July 8, 2026
Losing a beloved pet can feel like losing a member of the family. Pets share our homes, routines, milestones, and memories, so it is understandable that many families want to choose a peaceful and meaningful final resting place for them. For people who feel connected to the ocean, scattering a pet’s ashes at sea may […] The post What to Do With Pet Ashes? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • June 9, 2026
A burial at sea ceremony is a deeply meaningful and symbolic farewell. Unlike traditional land burials, these services take place in an open marine environment, where weather, wind, and ocean conditions play a significant role in what is appropriate to wear. Choosing the right outfit is about respect, comfort, and practicality—while honoring the dignity of […] The post What to Wear to a Burial at Sea Ceremony? appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • May 8, 2026
A burial at sea is already a deeply meaningful way to say goodbye. For many families, the ocean represents peace, eternity, freedom, and return. But modern families are often spread across different cities, states, and countries. Some loved ones may be elderly, ill, unable to travel, or too far away to attend in person. A […] The post How to Plan a Virtual Burial at Sea for Remote Family Members? appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • April 17, 2026
A full-body burial at sea in 2026 can cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to well over the price of a standard funeral, depending on how the service is arranged. In most cases, families should expect the total to land somewhere in the mid-to-upper thousands, especially when funeral home services, transportation, body preparation, vessel fees, […] The post How Much Does a Full Body Burial at Sea Cost in 2026? appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • January 27, 2026
Losing someone you love changes everything — and in the quiet, heavy days that follow, you’re asked to make decisions that feel far too big for the moment. One of the most personal of those decisions is choosing how to honor their final wishes. If a burial at sea urn is part of that plan […] The post Biodegradable Cremation Urns: How to Choose the Right One for Scattering Ashes appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • October 27, 2025
What Happens During Cremation? Cremation has become one of the most common choices for families in the United States, with more than 70% now selecting cremation as part of their final arrangements. Yet because the cremation itself happens in a private, carefully controlled setting, many people are unsure what happens during cremation and naturally have […] The post What Happens During Cremation? appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • July 27, 2025
The question How long does it take for a body to decompose? Often arises for families seeking respectful and meaningful burial options, whether traditional or alternative, like burial at sea. Understanding the natural stages of decomposition can offer clarity, especially when planning a farewell that honors both the deceased and nature’s process. At Burial at […] The post How Long Does it Take for a Body to Decompose appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • June 27, 2025
Scattering ashes in water is one of the most meaningful and symbolic forms of memorialization, often chosen for its serene beauty and deep connection to nature. While there are no official statistics on how many families select this option, scattering cremated remains at sea or in inland bodies of water like lakes and rivers is […] The post What Happens to Human Ashes in Water? appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
By Gary Jackson • May 27, 2025
Honoring a Life, Preserving the Planet: Eco Friendly Memorial Services by Burial at Sea As society becomes increasingly conscious of environmental impact, more individuals are choosing to live and depart in ways that reflect sustainability and respect for nature. At Burial at Sea, we understand that honoring a loved one’s memory should not come at […] The post Eco Friendly Memorial Services appeared first on Burial at Sea - scattering ashes at sea, water burials.
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Burial At Sea
San Pedro, CA

Personalized Services

Serving More Than 1,000 Families

Over 35 Years of Experience

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Personalized Services

Serving More Than 1,000 Families

Over 35 Years of Experience

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Compassionate Ocean Memorial Services for Your Loved Ones

Since 1991, Burial at Sea has been a trusted, family-owned company serving families in San Pedro, CA, and throughout Southern California. With more than three decades of experience and over 1,000 families served, we have built our reputation on compassion, professionalism, and respect. Our team is committed to helping families honor their loved ones in a meaningful way while providing the guidance and support needed during difficult times.

As a dedicated provider of burial at sea services, we are proud to provide a dependable boat for scattering ashes and casket burial, along with experienced guidance for full-body burial and scattering ashes ceremonies. We strive to create a respectful and comforting environment that reflects each family's wishes and traditions, while maintaining the highest standards of care and professionalism. Contact us today to learn more about our services and discuss your options.

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Why Choose Us

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Personalized Services

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Over 35 Years of Experience

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Serving More Than 1,000 Families

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Burial at Sea
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Boat for Scattering Ashes & Casket Burial

Our specialized boat accommodates both ash scattering ceremonies and traditional casket burials. Your family's service will proceed exactly as you envision. Our boat is maintained to high standards and operated by experienced captains who treat every journey with respect and care.

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Burial at Sea
We facilitate meaningful ocean burial ceremonies that comply with all federal and state regulations while honoring your family's traditions. Our team guides you through every detail with compassion and professionalism, helping you plan ahead or arrange immediate services.
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Full-Body Burial
For families choosing traditional full-body burial at sea, we handle all necessary arrangements, including proper preparation and documentation. Our locally-owned team makes sure every aspect of the ceremony reflects your loved one's wishes and provides closure for those left behind.
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Scattering Ashes
Ash scattering services offer a peaceful way to return your loved one to the ocean. Ceremonies are customized to your preferences and family size. We've refined our approach over 35 years, creating memorable experiences that bring comfort during difficult times.
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View Photos of Our Sea Farewells

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Here's what our satisfied customers are saying...

At Burial at Sea, we take pride in providing exceptional funeral and burial services to our customers. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our business with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of Burial at Sea and let others know what you think.

  • How long has your company been conducting maritime memorials?

    Burial at Sea has been family-owned and operated since 1991. Over the course of more than 35 years, our licensed captains and dedicated maritime coordinators have served over 1,000 families across Southern California. We focus exclusively on professional maritime funeral arrangements, helping each family honor their departed loved one with complete dignity, compassion, and respect. When you arrange a burial at sea in San Pedro, CA, you work directly with seasoned maritime professionals who handle every detail from port departure to the committal site.

  • Where does the vessel depart from for local memorial services?

    Our charters depart directly from the historic Port of Los Angeles waterfront at Berth 36A, located at 141 W. 22nd Street in San Pedro, California. This quiet harbor location offers convenient passenger boarding, ample parking, and immediate access to the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Departing from this private berth ensures a smooth, unhurried beginning to your private burial at sea in San Pedro, CA, steering safely past the breakwater and Angels Gate Lighthouse into peaceful offshore coordinates.

  • Do you provide official documentation and coordinates after the ceremony?

    Yes. Following every ocean committal service, our captain records the precise latitude and longitude of the location using maritime GPS systems. We present your family with an official commemorative certificate inscribed with your loved one's name, the date of service, and the exact coordinates where the ceremony took place. Having these permanent navigational markings allows family members to return to the specific resting place on future anniversaries or reflect upon the exact location from the shoreline.

  • Can you accommodate unattended memorial scatterings if family cannot travel?

    We understand that relatives, friends, and family members often reside out of state or face physical limitations that make ocean travel difficult. For those situations, we offer complete unattended services. You may coordinate the transfer of remains directly to our care, after which our certified captain and crew will transport them offshore and conduct a respectful committal ceremony on your family's behalf. Every unattended charter receives the exact same meticulous care, environmental compliance, photographic confirmation, and recorded GPS coordinates as an attended service.

  • Do you offer special pricing for veterans and first responders?

    Yes. We take immense pride in recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to community and country. We provide dedicated discounts on memorial charter services for active-duty military personnel, retired armed forces veterans, and first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. When planning a military burial at sea in San Pedro, CA, we can also assist families with coordinating military honors, flag presentations, and taps ceremonies to ensure your veteran receives a heartfelt, dignified tribute on the water.

  • How do you handle reporting and environmental compliance?

    All offshore memorial operations conducted by our team adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard, the State of California, and Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Following the completion of an ocean service, our administrative team submits the required formal disposition reports directly to Region 9 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within the statutory 30-day window. We complete all official filings on your behalf so your family can focus on healing without navigating bureaucratic paperwork.

  • Can we arrange arrangements and consultations in advance?

    Advance planning is an excellent way to record specific wishes, evaluate vessel accommodations, and remove logistical pressure from grieving family members in the future. Our team provides free same-day consultations and comprehensive advance planning packages. Whether you are planning months ahead or need immediate assistance, our knowledgeable coordinators will discuss port options, schedule flexibility across seven days a week, and help your family coordinate every detail of a future burial at sea in San Pedro, CA.

  • What onboard amenities and accessibility features are available on the vessel?

    Our Coast Guard-inspected vessel is thoughtfully equipped to ensure passenger comfort, privacy, and safety throughout the journey. Onboard amenities include comfortable interior seating, an enclosed cabin sheltered from wind and marine spray, an onboard restroom, and open deck space for the committal service. The ship also features a Bluetooth-enabled sound system if you wish to share meaningful personal music, spoken words, or spiritual recordings during your voyage. Please let our staff know in advance regarding any specific mobility concerns.

  • Can our family bring food, refreshments, or personal keepsakes aboard?

    Yes. Families are welcome to bring light food, snacks, water, and celebratory beverages to share together while reflecting on the open ocean. Many families choose to bring framed photographs, biographical mementos, and ocean-safe fresh floral petals to place around the memorial space during the voyage. 

  • How do you handle scheduling when Pacific weather conditions are poor for a burial at sea in San Pedro, CA?

    Safety, calm waters, and passenger peace of mind remain our paramount operating priorities. While Southern California coastal weather is typically mild, offshore sea conditions can occasionally shift. Our licensed captains closely monitor maritime forecasts, wind speeds, and ocean swells ahead of every scheduled departure. If adverse weather or rough seas make a voyage uncomfortable or unsafe, our office contacts you promptly to reschedule your burial at sea in San Pedro, CA for the next calm, convenient date at no extra penalty. We maintain flexible scheduling seven days a week to ensure every family experiences a safe, serene, and truly memorable ocean farewell.