How much does a burial at sea cost in San Diego?

Sterling Sails charges $950 for a 2.5-hour private burial at sea charter. This includes all EPA permits and post-ceremony reporting, rose petals, GPS coordinates of the scattering location, the eight-bell ceremony, and a USCG licensed captain for up to 6 guests.

Who handles the burial at sea permits in San Diego?

Sterling Sails handles all required EPA burial at sea permits and the 30-day post-ceremony report filed on behalf of your family. You do not need to navigate any of the regulatory paperwork yourself.

What is the significance of the eight rings of the bell?

Eight bells is the traditional maritime signal for the end of a watch — the completion of a full duty cycle at sea. It has long been used as a maritime farewell, a way of marking the end of a voyage with dignity and ceremony.

Can we bring our own flowers beyond the rose petals?

Yes. You may bring additional flowers, wreaths, or any fully biodegradable materials. We will advise on anything that cannot go into the water.

How many people can attend a burial at sea charter?

Up to 6 guests. The entire vessel is private — no other passengers will be on board at any point during the charter.

Can we say words, read a poem, or play music during the ceremony?

Absolutely. The ceremony unfolds entirely at your pace. There is time for words, prayers, readings, music played from a speaker, or as much silence as your family needs. We follow your lead completely.

Can children attend a burial at sea charter?

Yes. Children are welcome on board. Sterling Sails is experienced with families of all configurations and all ages.

The sun setting over the open Pacific beyond San Diego Bay

Burial at Sea · San Diego

Burial at Sea San Diego

Name: Sterling Sails
Address: San Diego, CA, US
Telephone: (858) 999-9895
Price range: $$$

A private, dignified maritime ceremony beyond San Diego Bay — every permit and detail handled with care, so your family can simply be present.

Arrange a Ceremony

Rose Petals Included

All Permits Handled

GPS Coordinates Recorded

Eight Rings of the Bell

Saying goodbye on the water is different. There is something about the ocean — its scale, its permanence, its quiet — that holds grief in a way that land cannot quite match. The horizon goes on. The water moves. Time feels both larger and more manageable at the same time. People who have done a burial at sea often say the same thing afterward: this is what they would have wanted.

Sterling Sails offers private burial at sea ceremonies in San Diego, sailing Mojave out through the bay and into the Pacific Ocean where the scattering takes place in federal waters. We handle all of the permits, all of the logistics, and the quiet careful details — so that you and your family can be fully present for the ceremony itself, without managing anything other than the moment. This is a solemn service, and we approach every charter with the care, respect, and sensitivity it deserves.

What Happens During a Burial at Sea Charter

A ceremony that moves at your pace.

Your family boards Mojave at Harbor Island. We greet you and give everyone time to settle on board before casting off. There is no rush. The sail out begins quietly.
Mojave passes through San Diego Bay and into the Pacific Ocean. The transition from the protected bay to open water is gradual and peaceful. Eventually we arrive near Coronado, Point Loma, and Mexico. Many families find this portion of the sail a natural time to begin gathering together and remembering their loved one.
Once Mojave reaches federal waters at the legally required distance from shore, the vessel comes to rest and the ceremony begins. The pace is entirely yours — there is no timeline to follow. Families use this time for words, readings, prayers, music, or silence. Rose petals are included and go into the water alongside the scattering when your family is ready.
Following the scattering, the ship’s bell is rung eight times — the traditional maritime farewell signaling the end of a watch and the completion of a voyage. The GPS coordinates of the scattering location are recorded and provided to your family as a permanent record. The sail back to Harbor Island is unhurried.

Eight bells — the traditional maritime farewell.

After the scattering, the ship's bell is rung eight times — the completion of a watch, and a voyage. The GPS coordinates are recorded and given to your family as a permanent record of the place.

$950All-inclusive · 2.5-hour private ceremonyUp to 6 guests · all permits, reporting, rose petals & coordinates includedArrange a Ceremony

Every Ceremony Includes

2.5-hour fully private charter for up to 6 guests
All required EPA burial at sea permits — filed on your behalf
Rose petals included — or bring your own flowers and biodegradable materials
GPS coordinates of the scattering location recorded and provided to your family
Eight rings of the ship’s bell — the traditional maritime farewell
No other passengers on board — complete privacy throughout
USCG licensed captain
Post-ceremony EPA reporting handled by Sterling Sails

Legal Requirements for Burial at Sea in San Diego

We handle the paperwork, so you don't have to.

Sterling Sails sails to a location that fully meets all legal requirements. You do not need to research or verify this yourself.

The EPA requires that a burial at sea report be filed within 30 days of the ceremony. Sterling Sails handles this paperwork completely on behalf of your family — one less thing you need to think about during an already difficult time.

Cremated remains may be scattered at sea. Flowers, wreaths, and other fully biodegradable materials may accompany the scattering. Non-biodegradable materials may not be placed in the water; we will advise you on anything you are unsure about.

The open Pacific beyond San Diego Bay at sunset

Quiet golden light through the rigging of the Mojave

The Mojave sailing out toward open water

Questions Families Ask

Here to help, gently.

Sterling Sails charges $950 for a 2.5-hour private burial at sea charter. This includes all EPA permits and post-ceremony reporting, rose petals, GPS coordinates of the scattering location, the eight-bell ceremony, and a USCG licensed captain for up to 6 guests.

Sterling Sails would be honored to help your family say goodbye with peace and dignity on the water.

Arrange a Ceremony (858) 999-9895

captainliz@sterlingsails.com

Keep Exploring

Not sure which sail suits your group? Compare every option on all charters & prices, see the boat and the bay in the Sterling Sails photo gallery, read what past guests said in our guest reviews, or get to know Captain Liz, our USCG-certified captain.

For seasons, timing and local tips before you book, browse the Sterling Sails sailing journal, or read the press coverage of Sterling Sails.

Burial at Sea San Diego

A ceremony that moves at your pace.

Eight bells — the traditional maritime farewell.

We handle the paperwork, so you don't have to.

Here to help, gently.

Other ways to sail San Diego Bay.