Burial at sea in Southern California can cost as little as a few hundred dollars for an unattended scattering, or several thousand for a private yacht and a full ceremony. Neither end of that range is the right answer by default. The real question is what your family wants the day to feel like and what you are comfortable spending. This guide compares luxury and budget-friendly burial at sea options along the coast, using prices that providers publish, so you can see what each level actually includes.
Farrington Mortuary & Cremation is a licensed, family-owned funeral home serving Los Angeles and Orange County, and we arrange both scattering at sea and full body burial at sea. The prices below were checked in October 2026. They can change, so please confirm them with each provider directly.
Key Takeaways
Unattended scattering is the most affordable option, with published prices starting around $250 to $350 in Southern California.
Attended charters on smaller boats commonly start between about $525 and $900 for the vessel alone.
Luxury yachts and large vessels for bigger groups commonly start between about $1,200 and $2,700, plus gratuity and extras.
Full body burial at sea is a separate service and costs far more, starting at $4,500 at Farrington.
Check whether the price covers gratuity, the disposition permit and cremation. Many charter prices do not.
What Separates a Luxury Burial at Sea From a Budget One?
The ocean is the same. The difference is mostly about the vessel, the number of guests, the length of the trip and the extras on board. A small boat with six guests and a quiet ceremony can be every bit as meaningful as a large yacht with a harpist. The extra cost pays for comfort and capacity, not for dignity.
Budget-friendly burial at sea usually means
An unattended scattering, with a certificate showing the coordinates, or a short attended trip on a small boat
Few guests, often six or fewer on the smallest vessels
Weekday departures, which some operators price lower
A simple ceremony that the family leads
Luxury burial at sea usually means
A private motor yacht or catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating
Room for dozens of guests, and in some cases more than 100
Catering, music, a harpist, a bagpiper or a dove release
A longer trip and a more planned ceremony
Budget-Friendly Burial at Sea Options in Southern California
Newport Beach Sailing Charters
This Newport Beach operator states that unattended ash scattering starts around $250, and that attended scattering ranges from $350 to $2,600 depending on the vessel. Its options range from Duffy boats and sailboats to catamarans and mega yachts, so it can suit both ends of the budget.
Burials at Sea by Newport Landing
Newport Landing publishes an unattended service at $350, with additional ashes added for $50. Attended services run $850 to $1,950 Monday through Thursday, and $1,450 to $2,600 Friday through Sunday. Choosing a weekday can make a noticeable difference. It serves Newport Harbor, with scattering areas that include Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and Catalina Island.
Dana Wharf (Dana Point)
Dana Wharf has provided burials at sea for more than 30 years. Its smaller options include The Current, which carries up to 6 passengers from $525 plus a $75 crew gratuity, and the Lot'A Fun catamaran, which carries up to 45 passengers from $699 plus a $100 gratuity. A certificate of coordinates is included.
Capt. Dave's (Dana Point)
Capt. Dave's offers 90-minute trips on the AllsWell, an inflatable boat, from $572.40 plus gratuity for 1 to 6 passengers. A personalized certificate with the date and coordinates is included at no extra cost.
Luxury Burial at Sea Options in Southern California
Los Angeles Yacht Charter
This company helps families compare vessels departing from Marina del Rey, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro and Ventura. Published starting prices include a 50-foot luxury yacht for up to 12 guests from $795, a 58-foot luxury yacht for up to 34 guests from $1,200, and a 90-foot vessel from Long Beach for up to 125 guests from $2,295, all with a one-hour minimum. Optional extras include a harpist at $350, a bagpiper at $350 and a release of 20 doves at $300.
Capt. Dave's Larger Catamarans (Dana Point)
For larger groups, the Manute'a sail catamaran carries up to 49 people, with 90-minute trips from $2,167.70 plus gratuity. The Hoku Nai'a power catamaran carries up to 149 people, with two-hour trips from about $2,600 plus gratuity.
Dana Wharf's Dana Pride and Ocean Adventures
Dana Wharf's largest vessels include the Ocean Adventures luxury catamaran for up to 59 passengers from $850, and the Dana Pride for up to 125 passengers from $1,050, each plus gratuity. Ceremonies on these two vessels include a donation in your loved one's name to the Gulf of Catalina Gray Whale Preservation and Education Foundation. Dana Wharf can also help with catering, flowers and music.
Where Does Farrington Mortuary & Cremation Fit?
Charter companies provide the boat. They do not usually handle the death certificate, the cremation or the transportation. A funeral home takes care of those steps, and that matters when a family is overwhelmed. Farrington's published packages are:
Cremation with Scattering of Ashes at Sea (unwitnessed): $1,495
Cremation with Scattering of Ashes at Sea (witnessed): $2,395
Full Body Burial at Sea: starting at $4,500
When you compare these to a charter price alone, remember that cremation and paperwork are part of our package. See our funeral packages and pricing or read about full body burial at sea.
Hidden Costs to Ask About
Two quotes can look similar and work out very differently. Before you book, ask:
Is the crew gratuity included? Many published prices add $75 to $240.
Is there a fuel surcharge? Some operators currently add one.
Who obtains the disposition permit? California requires a permit, and some services charge extra for it.
How long is the charter? Many prices reflect a one-hour minimum, which may not be long enough to reach the required distance and hold a ceremony.
Is cremation included? Most charter prices do not include it.
What happens if the weather turns? Ask about rescheduling terms before you pay a deposit.
How to Decide Which Level Is Right for Your Family
Start with your guest list, since it narrows the choices quickly. If fewer than six people will attend, a small boat offers an intimate ceremony at a modest price. For twenty or more, you will need a certified passenger vessel, and the cost rises accordingly. If nobody can attend, or if a boat trip would be difficult for older relatives, an unattended scattering with a certificate is a dignified choice.
Next, think about the person. A sailor might have wanted a sailboat. Someone who loved a party might have wanted music and food on a large catamaran. A private person might have wanted only their closest family and no fuss. Spending more does not honor them more.
Rules Every Burial at Sea Must Follow
Whichever level you choose, the rules are the same. In California, ashes must be scattered at least 500 yards from shore, and a disposition permit is required. When ashes are scattered beyond three nautical miles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires a report within 30 days. Full body burial requires at least three nautical miles from shore and a depth of at least 600 feet. Only biodegradable materials can go in the water. Read more in our guide to legal requirements and permits for burials at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does burial at sea cost in Southern California?
Published prices start around $250 to $350 for unattended scattering, about $525 and up for small attended charters, and $1,200 to $2,700 and up for large vessels, before gratuity. Full body burial at sea starts at $4,500 at Farrington.
What is the cheapest way to have a burial at sea?
An unattended scattering is the most affordable option. The crew scatters the ashes respectfully and gives you a certificate of the coordinates.
Can we attend the scattering?
Yes. Attended charters let family and friends be on board. Vessel limits range from 6 guests on small boats to more than 100 on large ones.
Is a weekday burial at sea cheaper?
It can be. Burials at Sea by Newport Landing, for example, publishes lower prices for Monday through Thursday services than for Friday through Sunday.
Are veterans eligible for a free burial at sea?
Eligible veterans may qualify for the U.S. Navy Burial at Sea Program, although families do not attend those committals. A private charter allows the family to be present. See our veterans and military services.
Talk With Us About Burial at Sea
Whether your family wants a simple scattering or a full ceremony on the water, we can explain the options honestly and handle the paperwork. Call Farrington Mortuary & Cremation, FD License 2365, any time at (800) 674-3659.