Scattering Ashes at Sea: 5 Service Providers in Southern California
Whether you’re in Southern California, on the East Coast, or in the Midwest, scattering ashes in a body of water is a common practice when it comes to honoring a loved one. The symbolism—of literally letting your loved one go, can be cathartic and beautiful, a meaningful step in the grieving process.
It’s no surprise that as one of the largest states in the United States, with one of the largest coastlines, California has plentiful options when it comes to ash scattering. In fact, it’s such a common practice to scatter ashes in Southern California that there are sea service providers that specialize in the process.
Burials at Sea by Captain Johnnie Lee
330 S Pine Ave Long Beach, CA 90802
Burials at Sea provides a unique, personal burial ceremony for those wishing to scatter their loved one’s ashes, with docking options including Downtown Shoreline Marina near Parkers Lighthouse in Long Beach, Alamitos Bay Marina in front of Khoury’s restaurant, and Huntington Harbor Marina, located in front of the Huntington Harbor Yacht Club. Generally, Burials at Sea suggests that family and friends board early- to mid-morning, as the ocean is calmest during this period.
Captain Johnnie Lee is a seasoned United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Master who has a license to scatter cremains. His yacht, named “Great Faith,” is a 48 ft length overall (LOA) Sea Ray Express Bridge Cruiser that accommodates up to six people. Work today with Burials at Sea to plan your ash scattering at sea.
The Duchess Yacht Charter Service
4242 Vía Marina, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
In addition to scattering ashes, The Duchess Yacht Charter Service also offers services like whale-watching tours, sunset cruises, and more. But whatever you end up doing on this 63-foot motor yacht, you’ll feel like royalty, since it includes complementary food, drink, and snack service in addition to its licensed captain and professional crew. It also has a well-stocked galley of juices, soda, and water. With specializations in military burials at sea, this service is a good option to honor military men and women, since they have add-on services like flag-folding and the playing of Taps available. However, The Duchess also has general memorial charter services at sea for those who are civilians. Book The Duchess for your memorial charter service today.
Memorials at Sea
11701 Fiji Blvd., Dock 55, Marina del Rey, CA 90292
If you really want to customize your memorial charter service at sea in California, then Memorials at Sea has a variety of options—and not just related to the boat size. While MaS has a cruiser accommodating 2 to 4, a yacht accommodating 4 to 6, and a catamaran accommodating 6 to 12, they also have food services, floral services, and music services including keyboard, guitar, and harp. The charter destinations include the Marina del Ray Harbor Memorial which goes around Santa Monica Bay and includes floral, food, and music options; a Sunset Memorial in Santa Monica Bay which starts in the late afternoon so that you can scatter ashes at sunset; or an all-day cruise to Catalina Island with a stop at Twin Harbor and some time for sightseeing. There are many options when booking a service with Memorials at Sea.
Beyond the Sea Memorial Services
1150 Nagoya Way, Berth 79, San Pedro, CA 90731 (Dock 4)
One thing that can be a hassle when it comes to booking a memorial charter service is the paperwork, but thankfully Beyond the Sea Memorial Services takes care of all of that for families. This upfront transparency is something that expands into the sea service itself, with all memorials starting at Ports O’Call Village and running about an hour to an hour and a half in duration. Light beverages and snacks are also served on board the yacht, helmed by Captain George Miller, who has more than 45 years of maritime experience under his belt. Book your service aboard “Something Special” today.
Opal Cremation
Locations in El Segundo, Costa Mesa, and Carlsbad
Yes, in addition to providing cremation services for your loved one, Opal Cremation in Southern California also offers a scattering at sea option as part of our all-inclusive Gold Package. Opal will scatter your loved one’s remains off the coast of San Diego, and, though we do not include passengers on the scattering trip, we will provide a video of the ash scattering to family and friends. The all-inclusive package also includes the required permits and approvals needed for the scattering. If the family of the deceased would like some of the ashes to be scattered and some to be returned to the family, Opal is also happy to accommodate that request.