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What to expect in Charleston
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 Charleston
Captain license
Not required
Inside Charleston waters
Not settled
Charleston Harbor, Cooper/Ashley/Wando Rivers, ICW (inside waters); Atlantic Ocean past the harbor jetties
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Harbor and rivers are inside waters with no clear state rule. From the downtown/Mt. Pleasant marinas, boats run out the harbor entrance between the jetties, then 3 nm beyond land; rough estimate about 8-10 nm each way (confirm on chart). Naval Weapons Station / Joint Base Charleston restricted areas on the Cooper River and Charleston Harbor (33 CFR 334.460, 334.470). Busy shipping channel; keep 500 yds from Navy vessels (33 CFR 165.2025). Charleston County Coroner issues cremation permits.
Full South Carolina guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Charleston
How much does a burial at sea cost in Charleston?
The 2 boats listed in Charleston, SC start at $699, and the highest starting price is $1,085, 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 many guests can come on a memorial cruise in Charleston?
The largest boat listed in Charleston takes up to 13 guests; each boat's page shows its own limit. Every charter is private, so only your family and friends are aboard.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Charleston?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Charleston, boats head out to the Atlantic Ocean past the harbor jetties. 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 Charleston?
Bays, harbors and rivers are inside waters, so the federal ocean rule does not cover them, and South Carolina has no clear rule for scattering there. That is why captains in Charleston hold the ceremony out in the open ocean, where the rule is clear.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in South Carolina?
The ashes and the cremation authorization from your funeral home. 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 Charleston?
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.