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What to expect in Hampton
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 Hampton
Captain license
Not required
Inside Hampton waters
Not settled
Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Bay (inside waters); Atlantic Ocean beyond Cape Henry
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Hampton Roads and the Bay are inside waters; the EPA permit does not apply there. To reach 3 nm of ocean, boats run out the Bay mouth past Cape Henry and Fort Story; rough estimate about 18-22 nm each way (confirm on chart). Many nearby military areas: Fort Monroe firing range and restricted area (33 CFR 334.350, 334.360), Plumtree Island Air Force test area (334.340), Langley AFB Back River restricted area (334.275), Norfolk Naval Base / Willoughby Bay restricted area across the Roads (334.300, entry needs Navy permission). Keep 500 yds from Navy ships (33 CFR 165.2025).
Full Virginia guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Hampton
How much does a burial at sea cost in Hampton?
The boat listed in Hampton, VA starts at $699 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 Hampton?
The boat listed in Hampton takes up to 13 guests. Every charter is private, so only your family and friends are aboard.
How far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Hampton?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Hampton, boats head out to the Atlantic Ocean beyond Cape Henry. 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 Hampton?
Bays, harbors and rivers are inside waters, so the federal ocean rule does not cover them, and Virginia has no clear rule for scattering there. That is why captains in Hampton 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 Virginia?
The ashes and the crematory release form. 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 Hampton?
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.