Burial at Sea Services
When someone is buried at sea, there is an awareness that they have returned to become part of everything—the tides, the sky, the light across the water. The setting sun, the hush of the waves, the open horizon: all offer a quiet kind of grace.
We offer a private, respectful charter for scattering ashes at sea. The yacht provides a calm and classic space for families and friends to gather, reflect, and release with intention.
Our staff is fully experienced in these occasions, and our promise is to fulfill this duty with both dignity and honor. We’ll provide the exact GPS coordinates of the ceremony so that you may return to the same spot in the future—by boat or in memory.
What to Expect
Every burial at sea aboard the Mauretania is designed with care, reverence, and attention to the details that matter most.
A typical service begins with a peaceful cruise from 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro out to the waters near the Point Fermin buoy. There, the ashes are gently lowered into the sea inside a wicker basket lined and covered with flower petals provided by the family.
As part of maritime tradition, the ship’s bell is rung eight times to honor the “end of watch,” followed by a long blast of the horn and three ceremonial circles around the scattering site. Guests are invited to toss additional petals or flowers into the ocean during this time of reflection.
After the ceremony, the Mauretania returns inside the breakwater for a short harbor cruise; an opportunity for guests to share a toast, tell stories, or simply be together as the journey concludes.
You’re welcome to bring flowers, photographs, personal music, or anything meaningful to your loved one’s memory. We can also accommodate small gatherings onboard for shared remembrance.
Why Families Choose the Mauretania
Built in 1947, the Mauretania is a classic motor yacht with a presence that’s both elegant and serene. With rich wood details, gentle curves, and panoramic views of the sea, she offers something most vessels can’t: a setting that feels personal, peaceful, and full of quiet character.
Spacious yet intimate, the yacht offers sweeping views from both indoor and outdoor areas, warm wood finishes, and the calming rhythm of the sea. Her design allows for private burial at sea ceremonies that feel both elegant and personal, whether you’re gathered near the bow for the scattering of ashes or sharing a toast during the harbor cruise that follows.
Guests often tell us that it’s the atmosphere aboard the Mauretania that sets her apart: calm, unhurried, and full of quiet beauty. She offers more than just transportation—she offers a setting where remembrance becomes meaningful.
Cost
2-hour charter: $2,500
Includes time for ceremony and short harbor cruise with champagne toasts or other celebrations after the service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Burials at Sea
While the Mauretania is licensed to carry over 60 guests, burials at sea are typically conducted near the bow of the vessel for privacy and ceremonial focus. Due to the layout, we recommend limiting the service to 20–25 guests for the best visibility and experience.
We can accommodate up to 40 guests if needed, but please note that the area can feel crowded beyond that number. Our priority is to ensure a respectful, meaningful experience for everyone on board.
The Mauretania departs from its berth at:
22nd Street Landing
141 W. 22nd Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
Burials at sea are typically conducted in the waters near the Point Fermin buoy, just off the coast of San Pedro. After departing the harbor, the vessel transits to this peaceful offshore location, where the ashes are respectfully lowered into the sea.
This site offers a quiet, dignified setting for remembrance, and all services are carried out in accordance with EPA guidelines for ocean burial of cremated remains.
Certainly. After the service, we provide the exact GPS coordinates of the scattering location. This allows family and loved ones to know the precise spot where the ceremony took place; something many find meaningful for remembrance or future visits by sea.
Yes. A disposition permit is required by the County of Los Angeles for the lawful scattering of cremated remains at sea.
This permit is typically issued by the crematorium or mortuary before the remains are released to the family. As part of that process, the family will be asked to indicate that the intended method of disposition is a burial at sea.
If you’re unsure about this step, we’re happy to help guide you through it.
Yes, absolutely. We encourage families to personalize the experience in meaningful ways.
For the ceremony, we kindly request that you bring a “volleyball-sized” bag of flower petals. These are placed in a wicker basket along with the cremated remains and respectfully lowered into the sea. Families are also welcome to bring additional loose flowers to scatter into the water as the vessel circles the location in tribute.
Following the ceremony, the Mauretania typically returns inside the breakwater and continues on a short harbor cruise down the main channel (approximately 50 minutes total). This is a lovely time to gather, reflect, and share food, drinks, or a champagne toast if desired.
You may bring your own food and beverages, or we’re happy to help coordinate catering with a trusted local provider.
For music, the vessel is equipped with a sound system that allows you to connect a smartphone or other device. Live acoustic musicians are also welcome on board—just no amplified instruments or large equipment, to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
We closely monitor weather and sea conditions and can usually anticipate any issues several days in advance. If unfavorable conditions are expected, we’ll contact the family to discuss options. If you'd prefer, we’re happy to reschedule the charter for another available day at no additional cost.
In rare cases—especially when out-of-town guests are present—we may proceed with a modified plan. This typically involves a harbor-only cruise, where the service, food, beverages, and toasts take place within the calm waters of the breakwater. The yacht then returns to the dock after the scheduled two hours.
Once the weather improves, we will complete the scattering at sea on a separate day, and local family members are welcome to join us. There is no extra charge for this two-part arrangement.
Our goal is always to ensure a respectful and safe experience, no matter the circumstances.
While we do not provide a formal officiant, our experienced crew is honored to assist in the ceremonial aspects of the service.
Before the ceremony begins, the crew carefully prepares a wicker basket lined and covered with flower petals (provided by the family), and places the cremated remains inside. At the appointed time, the crew helps prepare the line and guides the family through the lowering of the ashes into the sea.
Families are welcome to lead their own service—whether that includes prayers, poetry, music, or a eulogy. Once the ceremony is complete, we honor maritime tradition by ringing eight bells on the ship’s bell, symbolizing the “end of watch.”
The yacht then sounds a long blast of the horn and performs three slow circles at the scattering site, allowing guests to reflect and cast additional flowers into the ocean in remembrance.
We’re here to support and guide the process so it feels meaningful, respectful, and uniquely yours.
Due to the vessel’s age and historical design, the Mauretania is not wheelchair accessible and does not meet ADA compliance standards. Built in 1947 and currently under consideration as a National Historic Vessel, the yacht retains its original structure, which includes narrow doorways, steps, and raised thresholds that may present challenges for guests with limited mobility.
We’re happy to discuss accessibility concerns in advance and will do our best to accommodate within the constraints of the vessel. If you have specific needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Yes, absolutely. We can accommodate the scattering of ashes for multiple loved ones during the same ceremony if desired.
Many families find it meaningful to honor two or more individuals together—whether they were partners, relatives, or part of the same family legacy. Please let us know in advance so we can help plan the service accordingly and ensure everything is handled with care and respect.
We recommend booking as early as is convenient to help ensure your preferred date and time are available.
While we can occasionally accommodate short-notice requests, advance scheduling is strongly encouraged, especially if you're coordinating with out-of-town guests, specific dates, or other service providers.
Feel free to contact us with your ideal timeframe, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs with care and flexibility.
Honor. Reflect. Remember.
Saying Farewell, Together
A burial at sea is more than a final farewell. It’s a quiet moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate a life well lived. The experience is deeply personal, and we’re honored to help families mark the occasion with care and dignity.
If you’re considering a ceremony aboard the Mauretania, we’re here to help make the process smooth and meaningful.
A Farewell Upon Gentle Waters
For those who find meaning in the sea’s enduring calm, the Mauretania offers a dignified farewell. Here, every ceremony is held with care, respect, and a sense of enduring peace.