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Nearby on the Southeast & Mid-Atlantic
What to expect in Carolina Beach
Your captain meets your group at the dock, takes you to the scattering spot, and gives you time for words, music, flowers or silence. Afterward, the captain records the coordinates of the scattering so your family always knows where it took place. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store and delivered before your service.
Scattering rules in Carolina Beach
Captain license
Not settled
None specific to scattering found; possible overlap with funeral service license
Inside Carolina Beach waters
Allowed with conditions
Atlantic Ocean via Carolina Beach Inlet; Cape Fear River and ICW via Snows Cut
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Ocean is right outside Carolina Beach Inlet; 3 nm offshore is a short run (roughly 3-4 nm, confirm on chart). Inside waters (Cape Fear River, ICW, Myrtle Grove Sound) are public waterways where state law allows scattering. On the lower Cape Fear River, avoid the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point restricted waters (Army; see 33 CFR Part 334). New Hanover County.
Full North Carolina guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Carolina Beach
How much does a burial at sea cost in Carolina Beach?
The boat listed in Carolina Beach, NC starts at $1,200 for a private charter. The price depends on the boat, the length of the trip and the size of your group. You send the captain your date and wishes, receive a written offer, and pay only if you accept it; an 11.5% booking fee is added at checkout.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Carolina Beach?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Carolina Beach, boats head out to the Atlantic Ocean via Carolina Beach Inlet. No permit is needed in advance; the captain reports the scattering to the EPA within 30 days.
Can ashes be scattered in the bay or harbor at Carolina Beach?
North Carolina allows scattering from a boat over public waterways such as the sounds, rivers and the Intracoastal Waterway, once the ashes are out of their container. Some places, such as Cape Hatteras National Seashore, need their own park permit.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in North Carolina?
The ashes and the crematory release receipt. Your captain will confirm anything else they need before the day.
What can we put in the water with the ashes?
Only things that break down naturally: the ashes, loose flowers or petals, and a biodegradable water urn if you would like one. No plastic, balloons, wreath frames or glass. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store before your service.
How do I book a burial at sea in Carolina Beach?
Choose a boat above and send the captain your preferred date, time and number of guests, along with anything you would like for the ceremony. The captain replies with a written offer, usually within a day. Nothing is charged until you accept it, and if plans change you can ask for a new date first.