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What to expect in San Diego
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 San Diego
Captain license
Not needed when the family scatters
Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration
Inside San Diego waters
Allowed with conditions
San Diego Bay; Mission Bay; Pacific Ocean off Point Loma and La Jolla
Ocean
3+ nautical miles from land
Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.
San Diego Bay and Mission Bay are inland tidal waters, not lakes. State law therefore allows scattering 500+ yards from every shoreline (including islands and piers), from a boat. In practice, Mission Bay has very few spots that far from shore. San Diego Bay has some in the wider middle stretches, but it is full of Navy security and restricted areas around North Island, Naval Base San Diego and Naval Base Point Loma. Federal rules also require boats to slow down within 500 yards of any U.S. Navy vessel and keep out of 100 yards (Naval Vessel Protection Zones, 33 CFR 165.2010-2030). Most operators go past Point Loma and 3 nm out. La Jolla's coast is a state Area of Special Biological Significance (ASBS), where waste discharges are banned (see open questions). There is no national marine sanctuary. San Diego County charges $12 per permit and says a permit is needed 'when scattering cremains on land or at sea.'
Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sourcesLast checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.
Questions families ask about San Diego
How much does a burial at sea cost in San Diego?
The 8 boats listed in San Diego, CA start at $675, and the highest starting price is $3,500, for a private charter of 2 hours or more. 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 San Diego?
The largest boat listed in San Diego takes up to 49 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 San Diego?
In the ocean, ashes are scattered at least 3 nautical miles from land under the federal EPA rule, at any depth. From San Diego, boats head out to the Pacific Ocean off Point Loma and La Jolla. 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego?
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.