Map view
What to expect in Holmes 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 Holmes Beach
Captain license
Not required
Inside Holmes Beach waters
Not settled
Anna Maria Sound / Intracoastal; Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Shallow Gulf water is fine for ashes - EPA sets no depth rule for cremated remains, only the 3 nm distance from land (barrier islands count as land). Holmes Beach sits on the Gulf; from bay-side marinas you exit via Longboat Pass or around the north end at Passage Key Inlet, then 3 nm off Anna Maria Island - roughly 5-8 nm total (estimate). Anna Maria Sound/Tampa Bay are inside water - no clear state rule.
Full Florida guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Holmes Beach
How much does a burial at sea cost in Holmes Beach?
The boat listed in Holmes Beach, FL starts at $999 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 Holmes Beach?
The boat listed in Holmes Beach 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 Holmes Beach?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Holmes Beach, boats head out to the Gulf of Mexico off Anna Maria Island. 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 Holmes Beach?
Bays, harbors and rivers are inside waters, so the federal ocean rule does not cover them, and Florida has no clear rule for scattering there. That is why captains in Holmes Beach 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 Florida?
The ashes and, if you have it, the cremation certificate from your funeral home or crematory. In the Florida Keys, a free marine sanctuary permit is part of the service; your captain can tell you more. 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 Holmes 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.