Map view
What to expect in Key West
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 Key West
Captain license
Not required
Inside Key West waters
Not allowed
Key West Harbor; Atlantic Ocean / Straits of Florida; Gulf side backcountry
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Almost all water around the Keys out past 3 nm is inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary bans dumping 'any material' from inside its boundary, and ash scattering is not one of the exceptions, so you need a free-to-apply NOAA sanctuary cremation permit (online form at floridakeys.noaa.gov/permits/special-use.html). NOAA only permits ceremonies at least 3 nm from shore, in federal sanctuary waters; only ashes and flowers - no urns, boxes or plaques. Stay out of Sanctuary Preservation Areas and Ecological Reserves, where only engine cooling water and exhaust may be discharged. Atlantic side 3 nm off Key West is near the reef line (estimate); avoid Sand Key, Rock Key, Eastern Dry Rocks preservation areas and the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve. Key West Harbor has Navy (NAS Key West) and cruise-ship security zones. Gulf-side state waters extend 9 nm, so NOAA's 'federal waters only' wording may mean much farther out on the Gulf side - use the Atlantic side.
Full Florida guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Key West
How much does a burial at sea cost in Key West?
The boat listed in Key West, FL starts at $799 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 Key West?
The boat listed in Key West 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 Key West?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Key West, boats head out to the Atlantic Ocean, Straits of Florida. 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 Key West?
Not without a permit. Nearly all the water around the Keys is in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which needs a free NOAA permit for scattering, at least 3 nautical miles from shore, with only ashes and natural flowers released.
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 the ashes and natural flowers. The marine sanctuary around the Keys does not allow urns, boxes, plaques or anything else.
How do I book a burial at sea in Key West?
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.