California Sea Burial – Gallery
One of the most meaningful aspects of a burial at sea is the natural beauty of the ocean itself. Being on the water often brings a sense of calm, reflection, and quiet uplift during an emotional time.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of coordinating many sea burial services and have captured moments that reflect the experience—ceremonies, biodegradable urns, and the unique, unplanned moments that happen on the water.
Below is a small collection of those moments.
Lots of flowers are a trademark of a sea burial. This shows a wreath in the ocean with rose petals of various colors trailing off into the distance. The flowers create a lovely scene as they float in the ocean current. Having rose petals for everyone on the boat allows everyone to join in and participate. As the petals drift away, they symbolize the family’s collective farewell, each one carrying love and memories into the open sea. The vibrant colors against the blue water create a moment of beauty amidst the grief. Watching the petals slowly disappear over the horizon offers a sense of peace and closure. It turns the farewell into a shared, healing experience for everyone present.
This was taken from the aft of the yacht as we were heading to the ocean for a sea burial. The city is in the background as the American flag waves before us. The contrast between the bustling shoreline and the calm waters ahead reflects the journey from everyday life to a moment of reflection and farewell. As the flag flutters in the wind, it stands as a proud tribute to the loved one being honored.
Dolphins as well as various wildlife commonly come and join us during a burial at sea service. Dolphins are very curious creatures and like to investigate, additionally we even get a whale once in a while visit us.
Sea shells with a message written on them to the deceased loved one may be placed in the water. This symbolism provides a wonderful vehicle for release of emotion and healing. Each guest on board should participate.
Military honors can be arranged for a sea bural and is a very important part of a veteran interment. It may be conducted on the boat, but is usually performed at a location near the departure point. It includes at least playing of Taps and presentation of the flag to the nex ot kin, although dependng on rank there may be additional elements to the ceremony.
Lots of rose petals are always used on the burial at sea – ash scatterings. They create a lovely scene as they float in the ocean current. It is best to have everyone on the yacht to participate in the service by througing in petals as this help with healing and closure.
The urn has been filled with rose petals as well as with the cremains. White roses will be given to each family member on board and they will place them in the water during the sea burial. It is always best to have all guests participate.
The setting sun creates a magical atmosphere on the ocean. Being on the water on such an evening is one of the things that makes sea burial experiences truly memorable and peaceful. The warm glow across the horizon brings a sense of comfort and closure, as if nature itself is honoring your loved one. Families often describe this moment as both serene and deeply healing, leaving them with lasting memories of beauty and love.
Burials at sea in the evening as the sun is setting or in the morning with a sunrise are particularly spectacular. You may select anytime for you event however some families do select these times.
Many times we use biodegradable urns for burial at sea such as this biodegradable turtle. Urns come in all shapes, sizes and are made of various products such as paper, gelatin, salt etc.. They are used to keep the cremains together when scattering as perhaps the family do not wish to view the cremains disperse.
The turtle is by far our most popular biodegradable urn for sea burials. As you can see some families decorate it and write messages to their loved one. This turtle is also wearing a lei.
A burial at sea family sends out a biodegradable sea turtle into the ocean as the sun sets over San Diego Bay. The turtle floats for a while and then sinks beneath the waves. As it disappears into the depths, it carries with it the family’s love, memories, and final goodbyes. The setting sun paints the water in gold and crimson, creating a serene farewell that feels both timeless and healing.
This is another type of biodegradable urn for sea burial. As well, there are plenty of rose petals to be placed in the water. Rose petals create a beautiful scene as they float on the ocean current. Each petal carries a silent message of love, turning the waves into a moving tribute of color and remembrance.