Map view
What to expect in Monterey
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 Monterey
Captain license
Not needed when the family scatters
Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration
Inside Monterey waters
Allowed with conditions
Monterey Harbor; Monterey Bay; Pacific Ocean off Point Pinos
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Under the US v. California decree, Monterey Bay inside a straight line from Point Pinos to Point Santa Cruz is inland waters. State law then allows scattering 500+ yards from shore, and the EPA 3-nm ocean permit technically does not apply inside that line. Monterey Harbor itself is too small for the 500-yard rule. All of Monterey Bay lies inside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary rules (15 CFR 922.132) ban discharging 'any material' with listed exceptions, and none of those exceptions mentions cremated remains. Local operators scatter there routinely, but no NOAA document confirming that it is allowed was found (see open questions). Carmel Bay and Point Lobos are state ocean protected areas (ASBS) nearby. File with Monterey County Vital Records (1270 Natividad Rd, Salinas; $12 permits).
Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Monterey
How much does a burial at sea cost in Monterey?
The 2 boats listed in Monterey, CA start at $1,395 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 Monterey?
The largest boat listed in Monterey takes up to 6 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 Monterey?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Monterey, boats head out to the Pacific Ocean off Point Pinos. 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 Monterey?
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 Monterey?
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.