A Guide to Scattering Ashes at Sea

Written By Sarah Marie Sherbon

When a loved one departs this world, they leave behind a trail of moments, echoes, and fingerprints on hearts. Many families are now choosing to honor their loved one with a scattering of ashes at sea—a timeless, symbolic, and natural way to say farewell.

If you're wondering how to scatter ashes in the ocean respectfully, legally, and beautifully, you've come to the right place. This step-by-step guide is rich with practical help and filled with links to resources, urns, and services to make the process easier.

ocean ash scattering at sea

Why Do So Many Families Choose to Scatter Ashes at Sea?

The ocean! It calls to us—mournful, musical, and mighty. It’s no wonder scattering ashes in the ocean has become one of the most meaningful and eco-friendly ways to honor a loved one.

Families choose sea ash scatterings because:

  • The ocean is eternal. It symbolizes transformation, life, and continuity.

  • It offers peaceful closure. There’s healing in the sound of waves and the vastness of water.

  • It’s affordable and practical. No cemetery plot, no monument upkeep—just nature.

  • It’s legal with minimal requirements. (We’ll show you how below.)

Whether it’s a private moment or a family ceremony, scattering cremated remains in the sea invites peace and poetic finality.

Contact Us to Learn More

⚖️ Legal Requirements for Scattering Ashes at Sea (EPA Guidelines Made Wonderfully Simple)

If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Is it legal to scatter ashes at sea?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most frequently asked questions, and thankfully, the answer is yes—as long as you follow a few important rules set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

These guidelines are part of the Clean Water Act, which exists to protect our oceans and marine life while still honoring human rituals and farewells.

Let’s walk through the process step-by-step, no law degree required.

✅ The Three Golden Rules for Scattering Ashes in the Ocean

To legally scatter ashes at sea in the United States, you must:

1. Go at least 3 nautical miles from shore

This is the most important rule:
Ashes must be scattered in ocean waters at least three nautical miles (approximately 3.45 land miles) off the coastline.

  • This includes scatterings by boat or by air (from a plane or helicopter).

  • You cannot scatter from the beach, pier, harbor, or nearshore waters and still be in compliance.

This distance ensures that ashes are returned to the deep ocean, where currents help disperse them gently and naturally—without disturbing shoreline ecosystems.

📍 If you're using a boat charter or service like BONAVENTURE, rest assured:
All our ocean scatterings are conducted legally offshore—you don’t need to track nautical miles or worry about coordinates.
🔗 BONAVENTURE Sea Scattering Service

2. Use only biodegradable materials

The EPA is very clear: nothing non-biodegradable may be placed in the ocean during a scattering ceremony.

This means:

  • ✅ Allowed: Loose ashes, flower petals, natural wreaths, paper notes, biodegradable urns

  • ❌ Not allowed: Metal urns, plastic bags or flowers, artificial leis, balloons, photos laminated in plastic, or anything that will not break down quickly in a marine environment

If you're using a container (urn) to place the ashes in the water, it must fully break down in ocean water. Excellent options include:

  • Passages Water Urns – Salt & Sand Biodegradable Urns

  • The Living Urn – Water Edition

If in doubt, choose natural materials. The ocean thanks you.

3. Notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering

After your sea scattering ceremony, you’re required to report the burial at sea to the EPA within 30 days.

This can be done online or by mail—it’s a simple form that documents the location and date of the scattering. There is no fee.

📝 EPA Burial at Sea Reporting Form (PDF for mail):
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/documents/burial-at-sea-form.pdf

💻 Submit your report online (fast & easy):
https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/burial-sea

The form asks for:

  • Name of the person whose remains were scattered

  • Date and GPS coordinates of the scattering (your boat captain or scattering service will provide this)

  • Method of scattering (urn, loose ashes, etc.)

If BONAVENTURE performs the scattering for you, we file this form on your behalf.

🛑 Do I Need a Special Permit?

No permit is required for scattering cremated remains at sea as long as:

  • You go 3 nautical miles offshore

  • You use biodegradable materials only

  • You file the EPA report within 30 days

The only time a permit might be needed is if you wish to scatter in protected marine areas, such as national marine sanctuaries, coral reefs, or special ecological zones (which we help you avoid).

🌊 BONUS: What Counts as “Sea”?

These rules apply only to ocean waters—Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes (in some cases).

If you are planning to scatter in inland waters like rivers, lakes, or bays, the EPA’s ocean scattering rules do not apply. Instead, you’ll need to:

  • Check state and local regulations

  • Get landowner permission for private docks or lakes

  • Possibly file with a state department or water authority

To make things easier, refer to:
🔗 CANA’s State-by-State Guide to Scattering

Contact Us to Learn More

✅ Summary: The Simple Legal Checklist

Here’s a quick recap you can screenshot:

  • ⛵ Go 3 nautical miles from shore

  • 🍃 Use only biodegradable materials

  • 📝 File the EPA report within 30 days

  • 🛂 No permit required (unless scattering in protected waters)

With these boxes checked, your sea scattering is fully legal, environmentally safe, and beautifully meaningful.

BONAVENTURE ensures every scattering complies with these rules, so you can focus on what really matters—honoring your loved one.

🏖 What About Specific States? (Or, “Every Shore Has Its Rules”)

While the EPA governs ocean ash scattering at the federal level, some coastal states have extra layers of regulation—often to protect delicate ecosystems, harbors, or state-managed waters. So before you set sail (or book a service), it’s wise to check the local fine print.

Here’s what to know about California, Florida, New York, and beyond:

🌴 California

California is one of the most popular states for sea scatterings—and one of the most regulated.

  • All sea scatterings must still take place 3 nautical miles offshore.

  • However, California prohibits scatterings within state waters, including from piers or beaches, without proper licensing.

  • Boat services offering scattering must be registered with the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.

🔎 Learn more:

  • California Department of Consumer Affairs:
    https://www.cfb.ca.gov/consumers/funeral.shtml

  • State requirements for scattering:
    https://www.cfb.ca.gov/consumers/funeral.shtml#scattering

🐚 Florida

Florida’s coastline offers many beautiful scattering locations, but also includes marine sanctuaries, coral reefs, and protected estuaries where scattering may be limited.

Key notes:

  • You must still go 3 nautical miles out.

  • Avoid scattering in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and similar protected areas without checking.

📘 Learn more:

BONAVENTURE handles these details for you in our Pensacola sea scattering services:
https://www.destinationspreading.com/shop/p/glacier-national-park-7jxgh

🗽 New York

New York offers both Atlantic-facing coastlines and large inland waterways like the Hudson River—but only ocean scatterings are governed by the federal EPA rules.

Things to know:

  • Hudson River scatterings are allowed but are governed by state and local policies.

  • For ocean scatterings, you must depart from ports like Montauk or Long Island and head 3 nautical miles out.

🗺️ Local guidance:

  • NY Department of Environmental Conservation:
    https://www.dec.ny.gov/

  • Funeral Bureau Contact for NY:
    https://dos.ny.gov/funeral-directing

🌎 For All Other States

To explore the rules in your specific state—including launching restrictions, park protections, and inland scattering regulations—refer to the Cremation Association of North America’s helpful state-by-state guide:

🔗 CANA’s State-by-State Scattering Laws & Guidance

You can also call your local funeral director, marina, or cremation provider and ask:
“Are there any restrictions on where I can scatter ashes at sea in this area?”

⛵ Three Ways to Scatter Ashes in the Ocean

There are several ways to carry out a sea scattering, from professional services to DIY ceremonies. Choose what fits your heart, family, and budget best.

1. Unaccompanied Sea Scattering with BONAVENTURE

If you can’t travel or prefer the ashes to be scattered with expert care and reverence, BONAVENTURE offers beautiful unaccompanied ash scattering services at sea.

They provide:

  • Unaccompanied Scattering 3 nautical miles offshore

  • Thoughtfully written ceremony

  • Wooden Memorial Plaque with Optional Ash enclosure

🔗 Scattering at Sea in Pensacola, FL – BONAVENTURE

BONAVENTURE also offers stunning bioluminescent ash scattering ceremonies for a truly magical tribute:
🔗 Bioluminescent Sea Scattering (Private Listing)

Ideal for families who:

  • Can’t travel

  • Want a peaceful, professional ceremony

  • Need help navigating legal and environmental rules

2. What About Private Boat Charters? (A More Hands-On Option)

Some families explore hiring a private boat charter to scatter ashes at sea themselves. These services are available in many coastal cities and are often used for in-person family ceremonies.

Charters typically include:

  • A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed boat captain

  • Space for guests

  • Optional extras like flower petals, music, or help with EPA paperwork

While meaningful, these options can involve logistics, higher costs (usually between $300–$1,200+), and limited accessibility—especially for families who are grieving, traveling with children, or living far from the coast.

For those seeking a simpler, more supported path, BONAVENTURE’s unaccompanied sea scatterings offer:

  • All legal requirements handled for you

  • Optional ceremony elements (flowers, readings, photography)

  • Peace of mind—no travel, no stress, no surprises

  • A beautiful final chapter, with nothing overlooked

Learn more here:
BONAVENTURE’s Sea Scattering Services – Pensacola, FL

Or explore something extraordinary like our bioluminescent ocean scattering:
Bioluminescent Shore Ceremony (Private Listing)

3. DIY Scattering by Boat (or Biodegradable Urn Float)

If you have access to a boat and wish to perform the scattering personally:

  • Ensure you're at least 3 nautical miles offshore

  • Use only biodegradable urns or release loose ashes carefully

  • Check the wind direction to avoid a surprise return of the remains

  • Bring a buddy—it’s safer and more comforting

Recommended biodegradable urns for sea scattering:

  • Water Burial Urns – Passages International

Ceremony Ideas for a Meaningful Sea Farewell

Whether you're sentimental, spiritual, or softly spoken, a sea scattering ceremony can reflect your loved one’s spirit.

Here are simple ways to add meaning:

  • Read a poem: Try “Crossing the Bar” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson or something whimsical like “The Walrus and the Carpenter.”

  • Release flower petals or a biodegradable wreath (View on Etsy).

  • Float a letter to your loved one in a dissolvable container.

  • Ring a bell at the moment of scattering.

  • Play a song that brings comfort—or let the waves be the music.

  • Observe a moment of silence, hands on hearts, eyes on the horizon.

Contact Us to Learn More

🧳 What Should You Bring?

Here’s a checklist for your sea ash scattering day:

  • ✅ Ashes in a safe, sealed container (biodegradable if scattering directly)

  • ✅ Copy of the EPA form or link to submit it online

  • ✅ Ceremony script, poems, or readings

  • ✅ Flower petals or wreath (biodegradable)

  • ✅ Sunscreen, sunglasses, or jacket (weather-ready is peace-ready)

  • ✅ Tissues

Optional:

  • A waterproof camera or phone for photos

  • Keepsake vial for retaining a small portion

  • Printed memorial programs for guests

Can You Scatter Ashes Anywhere in the Ocean?

Many people ask, “Can I scatter ashes from the beach?” The answer is not usually.

You must be 3 nautical miles offshore to legally scatter ashes in the ocean in the U.S. That means:

  • Not allowed: Public beaches, rocky tidepools, or piers

  • Allowed: From private boats, charter vessels, or via professional scattering services

  • Special options: BONAVENTURE’s bioluminescent and Florida sea scattering services follow all legal guidelines and go the full distance

    If you’re unsure, choose a service that handles the compliance for you.

💻 What If I Can’t Attend the Scattering?

You're not alone. Many people—especially those with young children, mobility issues, or financial constraints—can’t make it to the coast.

Here are some gentle alternatives:

  • Unaccompanied scattering by BONAVENTURE (Explore options here)

  • Virtual memorials or videos of the ceremony

  • Host a home gathering timed with the scattering, lighting candles or playing music simultaneously

🌊 Closing Thoughts: Let the Ending Be Beautiful

There is no perfect way to say goodbye—but there are honest, heartfelt, and healing ways. Scattering ashes at sea is one of the oldest and most moving ceremonies known to humankind.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already doing something brave: seeking to make the end beautiful. We hope this guide helps you feel confident, supported, and maybe even a little inspired.

🔗 Quick Links for Ash Scattering at Sea

Sarah Marie Sherbon
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