Search for burial at sea in Southern California and the same few names tend to appear. Yet some of the most memorable options along this coast are easy to miss, including a historic schooner, a maritime museum that offers a cannon salute, and a small sailing charter in Newport Harbor. This guide introduces lesser-known but excellent Southern California burial at sea providers, explains what makes each one different, and lists the questions to ask before you book any of them.
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation is a licensed, family-owned funeral home serving Los Angeles and Orange County, and we arrange burial at sea for families throughout the region. Details below were checked in October 2026 on each provider's own website. Please confirm current prices and availability directly.
Key Takeaways
Southern California has more burial at sea options than the first page of search results suggests, from San Diego to Ventura.
Specialty vessels, such as historic ships and sailboats, can reflect the person in a way a standard charter cannot.
Most charter operators provide the boat but not the cremation, permits or transportation.
A funeral home can coordinate those steps, including full body burial at sea, which far fewer providers offer.
Always confirm the vessel's certification, what the price includes and the weather policy.
What Makes a Burial at Sea Provider a Hidden Gem?
A hidden gem is not simply the cheapest or the smallest. It is a provider that offers something distinctive and does it well, but rarely shows up first in a search. We looked for three things: a clear specialty, published information about vessels or services, and a real connection to the coastal community it serves.
6 Lesser-Known Southern California Burial at Sea Providers
1. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation
Many families do not realize a local funeral home can arrange the entire burial at sea. Farrington handles the cremation or preparation, the permits and the coordination, so you are not managing a boat company and a mortuary separately. It also publishes its price for full body burial at sea, which starts at $4,500. Cremation with scattering at sea is $1,495 unwitnessed and $2,395 witnessed. See our funeral packages and pricing.
Best for: families who want one licensed point of contact, and anyone considering a full body burial.
2. Maritime Museum of San Diego
Few people expect a museum on this list. The Maritime Museum of San Diego offers burials at sea aboard vessels from its historic collection, including the pilot boat Pilot and PCF 816, a Swift Boat, each for up to 25 passengers, as well as the Californian for up to 50 and the San Salvador for up to 45. Families can add a cannon salute on the Californian or San Salvador, a Scottish bagpiper, or refreshments on board. Prices vary by vessel and are not listed, so you will need to ask for a quote.
Best for: veterans, sailors and history lovers.
3. Dana Wharf's Curlew Schooner (Dana Point)
Dana Wharf is well known for whale watching, but fewer families know it has provided burials at sea for more than 30 years. Its fleet includes a historic schooner, the Curlew, which carries up to 30 passengers from $960 plus a $140 crew gratuity. Every ceremony includes an official certificate of the coordinates where the ashes were scattered, and the team can help with flowers, catering, music and video montages.
Best for: families who want the look and feel of a traditional sailing ship.
4. Newport Beach Sailing Charters
This Newport Harbor operator offers ash scattering on sailboats, Duffy boats, motor yachts and catamarans. It states that unattended scattering starts around $250 and that attended scattering ranges from $350 to $2,600, depending on the vessel. Most standard charters carry up to 12 guests, while certified vessels carry more.
Best for: small groups who want a quiet sail, and families who want a choice of vessel.
5. Ashes on the Sea
Ashes on the Sea has been helping families since 1997, and it focuses entirely on burial at sea. It offers ash scattering, full body burial and eternal reefs. Its Southern California locations include San Diego, Oceanside, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach, San Pedro, Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey and Ventura, which is useful when a particular stretch of coast matters to your family.
Best for: families who want a burial at sea specialist with a choice of harbors.
6. California Sea Burial
California Sea Burial serves ports from San Diego to Santa Barbara, including Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Huntington Beach, Redondo Beach, Ventura and Oxnard. It describes private, family-attended ceremonies with full military honors, including flag folding and presentation, along with permit management and EPA reporting. Prices are not published on its guide, so ask for a quote.
Best for: veteran families who want to attend the ceremony in person.
How to Choose Among Smaller Providers
Smaller providers can offer a more personal experience, but they vary more than large operators do. A few considerations can help you compare them.
Match the vessel to your guests
A schooner is beautiful, but it may not suit relatives who have trouble with stairs or balance. Ask about boarding, seating, shade and restrooms if older family members will attend.
Think about the harbor
A harbor near the person's home or favorite place can add meaning. Because scattering has to take place at least 500 yards from shore, your departure point also affects how long the trip will be.
Decide who is coordinating
A charter operator handles the trip. Someone still needs to arrange the cremation, the death certificate and the disposition permit. If you would rather not manage that yourself, ask a funeral home to coordinate everything.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Is the vessel U.S. Coast Guard certified for the number of guests we expect?
Is the crew licensed, and how many burials at sea do you handle each year?
What does the price include, and what is added, such as gratuity or fuel surcharges?
Who obtains the disposition permit and files the EPA report if required?
Will we receive a certificate with the coordinates?
What is your policy for bad weather or high seas?
What flowers or items are we allowed to place in the water?
What the Law Requires, Wherever You Depart
All of these providers work within the same rules. In California, ashes must be scattered at least 500 yards from shore, and a disposition permit is required. California Health and Safety Code Section 7117 prohibits scattering on beaches, from piers or from bridges. Beyond three nautical miles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires a report within 30 days. Full body burial must take place at least three nautical miles from shore, in water at least 600 feet deep. Only biodegradable materials may enter the water. Our guide to legal rules for burial at sea in Southern California explains this further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who offers full body burial at sea in Southern California?
Fewer providers offer it than offer ash scattering, because it involves stricter rules and a suitable vessel. Farrington Mortuary & Cremation offers it starting at $4,500, and Ashes on the Sea also lists it as a service.
Can a burial at sea leave from San Diego?
Yes. The Maritime Museum of San Diego, Ashes on the Sea and California Sea Burial all list San Diego as an option.
Can we have a burial at sea with military honors?
Yes. California Sea Burial describes family-attended ceremonies with full military honors, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego offers a cannon salute. Eligible veterans may also qualify for the U.S. Navy program. See our veterans and military services.
Do we need a funeral home for a burial at sea?
Not always for ash scattering, since a family can charter a boat directly once cremation is complete. A funeral home is helpful for cremation, permits and coordination, and it is generally essential for a full body burial.
How far in advance should we book?
Weekends and small specialty vessels can fill quickly, so contact providers as early as you can. Weekday departures often have more availability. If you are planning ahead, you can also pre-arrange your wishes.
Talk With Us About a Burial at Sea
If you are not sure which option suits your family, we are glad to talk it through, with no obligation. Call Farrington Mortuary & Cremation, FD License 2365, any time at (800) 674-3659.