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What to expect in Long 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 Long Beach
Captain license
Not needed when the family scatters
Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration
Inside Long Beach waters
Allowed with conditions
Long Beach Harbor and San Pedro Bay inside the federal breakwater; Pacific Ocean outside the breakwater
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Inside the breakwater counts as inland (harbor) waters. The state allows scattering there if the spot is 500+ yards from any shoreline, pier or wharf. This is a busy commercial port with vessel traffic lanes and anchorages, so most operators go outside the breakwater and 3 nm from land for the EPA rule. The City of Long Beach is its own local registrar, separate from LA County. Long Beach Vital Records issues permits when the death or the 'final resting place' is in Long Beach (fee $12). Which office (Long Beach or LA County) takes the 10-day filing for ashes scattered off Long Beach was not confirmed; see open questions.
Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Long Beach
How much does a burial at sea cost in Long Beach?
The boat listed in Long Beach, CA starts at $1,550 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 Long Beach?
The boat listed in Long Beach takes up to 24 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 Long Beach?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Long Beach, boats head out to the Pacific Ocean outside the breakwater. 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 Long Beach?
California allows scattering in bays and harbors from a boat at least 500 yards from every shoreline, with the same paperwork as at sea. Many harbors are too small to be that far from shore anywhere, so most ceremonies are held outside the breakwater or 3 nautical miles out in the ocean.
What do I need to bring for a burial at sea in California?
The Permit for Disposition of Human Remains. Funeral homes and crematories usually arrange it with the county, and it travels with the ashes. Whoever in the family has the right to decide on the ashes (usually the next of kin) scatters them, or names a family member to do it. 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 Long 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.