Burial at Sea - Los Angeles & Southern California
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.
Motor Yacht Mauretania offers dignified burial at sea services throughout Los Angeles Harbor, Long Beach, San Pedro, and the pristine waters off Catalina Island. Our private yacht charter provides a calm and timeless space for families and friends to gather, reflect, and release with intention.
Premium Services in Los Angeles Waters
Our experienced crew understands the profound nature of saying goodbye. We provide respectful burial at sea ceremonies departing from Los Angeles Harbor, Long Beach Harbor, and San Pedro—offering families a meaningful way to honor their loved ones in the Pacific’s eternal embrace.
Why Choose Burial at Sea?
A burial at sea connects your loved one with the endless cycles of nature. Many families find comfort in knowing their departed will become part of the ocean’s timeless rhythm, carried by currents that touch distant shores while remaining forever connected to the waters they loved.
Benefits of our burial at sea service:
- Private, intimate ceremony away from crowds
- Professional crew experienced in memorial services
- Compliance with all EPA and maritime regulations
- Exact GPS coordinates provided for future remembrance
- Flexible timing to accommodate family schedules
- Personalized ceremonies reflecting your traditions
Los Angeles Area Departure Locations
- Los Angeles Harbor – Our most popular departure point, offering easy access and protected waters for the journey to the ceremonial site.
- Long Beach – Convenient for families from Orange County and the South Bay, with excellent marina facilities and calm morning departures.
- San Pedro – Historic harbor setting providing a traditional maritime atmosphere for your ceremony.
- Catalina Island Waters – For those seeking the pristine beauty of deeper Pacific waters, we can arrange ceremonies in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Catalina Island.
What to Expect During Your Burial at Sea Service
The experience is designed with utmost care and reverence. Upon boarding Motor Yacht Mauretania, our crew will brief you on the ceremony timeline and safety procedures. We then cruise to our designated location—at least three nautical miles from shore as required by EPA regulations—where the Pacific reaches sufficient depth for this sacred ritual.
A typical burial at sea service includes:
- Departure & Transit Your charter begins with a respectful boarding process and gentle cruise through Los Angeles Harbor or Long Beach. This transit time allows families to settle in, share memories, and prepare emotionally for the ceremony ahead.
- The Cermony At the designated coordinates, we stop engines and create a peaceful environment. You may include readings, prayers, music, or moments of silent reflection. Many families choose to scatter rose petals alongside the ashes, creating a beautiful tribute on the water’s surface.
- Memorial Cruise Following the scattering ceremony, we often cruise slowly through the harbor, allowing time for sharing stories, toasts, or quiet contemplation. Some families prefer to visit Catalina Island’s waters or cruise past meaningful coastal landmarks.
- Return Transit The gentle journey back to port provides closure time, with many guests finding the Pacific’s rhythm brings a sense of peace and completion.
Personalization & Meaningful Tributes
- Musical Tributes Our sound system accommodates your chosen music—whether classical, religious hymns, contemporary songs, or recordings of your loved one’s favorite pieces.
- Floral Arrangements Biodegradable flowers and wreaths are welcome and encouraged. Rose petals, chrysanthemums, and other natural blooms create beautiful memorials on the water’s surface.
- Photography & Video We can provide discreet documentation of your ceremony, capturing the GPS coordinates, sunset timing, and memorial moments for your family records.
- Religious & Cultural Ceremonies Our crew respectfully accommodates all faith traditions and cultural practices, from Christian prayers to Buddhist chants, military honors, or family-specific rituals.
Legal Compliance & Environmental Responsibility
Motor Yacht Mauretania operates under full EPA compliance for burial at sea services. All ceremonies take place at least three nautical miles from shore in accordance with the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA).
Our commitment includes:
- EPA notification within 30 days of each ceremony
- Environmentally responsible practices using only biodegradable materials
- Proper documentation and GPS coordinate recording
- Professional crew trained in maritime memorial services
Costs & Booking Information
2-hour charter: $2,500 Includes time for ceremony and short harbor cruise with champagne toasts or other celebrations after the service.
Your charter includes:
- Professional captain and crew experienced in memorial services
- Fuel and marina fees for standard burial at sea locations
- Rose petals for the ceremony
- Champagne or sparkling cider for memorial toasts
- GPS coordinates documentation
- Basic sound system for music
- Life jackets and safety equipment
Extended charters available for families wanting additional time for reflection, harbor touring, or visits to multiple meaningful locations.
Group size: Motor Yacht Mauretania comfortably accommodates up to 30 guests for burial at sea ceremonies.
Booking Your Burial at Sea Charter
Planning a burial at sea requires thoughtful preparation and professional guidance. Our team at Motor Yacht Mauretania understands the emotional weight of this decision and provides compassionate support throughout the process.
To schedule your ceremony:
- Contact us at least 72 hours in advance (longer for holiday periods)
- Discuss family size, timing preferences, and special requests
- Review required documentation and permits
- Confirm weather contingency plans
- Arrange any additional services or accommodations
Let us help you create a meaningful tribute that honors your loved one while providing comfort and closure for your family. The Pacific’s eternal rhythm offers a fitting final resting place, and Motor Yacht Mauretania ensures your ceremony reflects the dignity and respect your loved one deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
California requires a Disposition of Human Remains permit from the county where cremation occurred. We can assist with obtaining necessary documentation.
Morning departures before noon typically offer the calmest waters, while sunset ceremonies provide stunning natural beauty. We'll advise on conditions based on your preferred date.
Yes, families are welcome to bring refreshments, though we provide champagne or sparkling cider for memorial toasts. Our crew can help coordinate any special catering needs.
Safety is our priority. If conditions are unsuitable, we'll reschedule at no charge or provide a full refund. We monitor weather closely and will contact you in advance if conditions may impact your ceremony.
Federal law requires burial at sea to occur at least three nautical miles from shore. Depending on departure location, this typically means 30-45 minutes transit time to reach the ceremonial site.