Map view
What to expect in Morro Bay
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 Morro Bay
Captain license
Not needed when the family scatters
Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration
Inside Morro Bay waters
Allowed with conditions
Morro Bay harbor and estuary; Estero Bay; Pacific Ocean
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
Morro Bay harbor and estuary are inland waters, but the navigable channel runs close to shore, and parts of the bay are state marine protected areas. Spots 500+ yards from all shoreline are limited (unclear). Most trips go out to Estero Bay or the ocean. Waters off Morro Bay appear to lie between two national marine sanctuaries. Monterey Bay NMS ends at Cambria to the north. The new Chumash Heritage NMS (designated October 2024) starts about two miles southeast of the Diablo Canyon marina and explicitly left out Morro Bay. File with San Luis Obispo County.
Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about Morro Bay
How much does a burial at sea cost in Morro Bay?
The 2 boats listed in Morro Bay, CA start at $1,225, and the highest starting price is $1,565, 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 far out do boats go for a burial at sea from Morro Bay?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From Morro Bay, boats head out to the Pacific Ocean. 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 Morro Bay?
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 Morro Bay?
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.