What to Expect at an Ash Scattering Ceremony at Sea
- The Duchess Yacht
- Oct 16
- 5 min read
Planning an ocean ash scattering ceremony in Los Angeles? Understanding the process brings comfort during a difficult time. This guide walks you through every step, from arrival at Marina del Rey to your return to harbor.
How Long Does the Ceremony Take?
Expect 2-3 hours total, based on the group size.. This includes 45 minutes traveling to the scattering location (typically 3 miles off the Santa Monica Pier, but other locations available as well), time for your ceremony on the water, and the return journey.
The Step-by-Step Process
1. Arrival at Marina del Rey
Our staff greets you at Marina del Rey, located in the heart of Santa Monica Bay. As you board, we'll discuss your expectations and collect the cremated remains, which we handle with complete care throughout.
Why Marina del Rey? It's centrally located, serving all of Los Angeles—from Malibu and Santa Monica to Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Long Beach, and beyond.
2. Safety Br
Briefing & Departure
Our captain conducts a brief pre-departure safety presentation. Our vessels are Coast Guard-inspected and examined annually for over 1,000 regulation points and maintained to the highest standards.
3. The Journey (45 Minutes)
We cruise to our scattering location three miles directly offshore.
During the journey:
Food and beverages are served
Play music via Bluetooth, plug in, or stream with our WiFi
Our staff prepares the scattering basket with the ashes and your flowers
Dolphins, sea lions, and occasionally whales are seen frequently
4. The Ceremony
When we reach the scattering site, our captain positions the vessel for stability and comfort.
Prayers and Readings Our captains carry prayer books for every denomination and can lead prayers if you'd like. Often our captain speaks first to help families get started, but families typically do most, if not all of the speaking.
Sharing Memories Family members share stories and say final goodbyes. Some bring printed programs. Play meaningful music throughout. Display photographs on our easels (six available), or on The Legend, show slideshows on the flat-panel screen.
5. The Scattering
We place the ashes into a special basket lined with plastic and topped with your beautiful flowers. We lower it to the water's surface on a line. A family member (or our staff) pulls the line attached to the basket bottom, gently tipping the ashes and flowers onto the ocean.
You participate as much or as little as you like. After the basket empties, family members can throw additional flowers onto the water.
6. Return to Harbor
At the appropriate time, we return to Marina del Rey. The journey offers time for reflection and quiet conversation.
What to Bring
Cremated Remains
Bring the ashes in whatever container the funeral home provided. Do NOT buy expensive biodegradable urns. They often don't work as advertised—they may float when they should sink, or vice versa.
What to Bring
Cremated Remains
Bring the ashes in whatever container the funeral home provided. Do NOT buy expensive biodegradable urns. They often don't work as advertised—they may float when they should sink, or vice versa.
Our reusable basket method is reliable, beautiful, and complies with all regulations.
Flowers
Bring fresh flowers—we need at least six to create the arrangement in the basket. Remaining flowers can be thrown by family members. All must be biodegradable.
Clothing
Wear whatever you're comfortable in. You won't get wet. Our vessels have both weather-protected and weather-exposed areas.
Shoes: Comfortable, flat shoes with good traction. Avoid spike heels. Layers: Bring a light jacket. Even on warm days, it's breezy on the ocean. We recommend morning ceremonies for calmer seas.
What We Provide
Professional, compassionate crew
All ceremonial equipment (basket, line, preparation materials)
Food and beverages throughout
Sound system (Bluetooth/WiFi streaming)
Display easels for photographs
Prayer books for all denominations
On The Legend: Flat-panel screen for slideshows
All legal compliance (California CRD License #1036)
Paperwork filing after the scattering
See photos from past ceremonies to get a sense of what to expect.
Special Touches You Can Add
White Dove Release: We arrange professional dove services. Family members may handle the doves before releasing them (they safely return to their cages).
Live Entertainment: On The Legend, families have brought mariachi bands, jazz bands, harpists, and bagpipers.
Your Traditions: We welcome your family's customs, religious practices, and personal touches.
Why Three Miles Off Santa Monica Pier?
Recognizable landmark: The Santa Monica Pier is iconic—a meaningful place to remember.
Abundant marine life: Dolphins and sea lions are very common. Whale sightings occur occasionally.
Legally compliant: More than 3 miles from shore per EPA regulations. We handle all permit filing with California.
Common Questions
Can multiple family members speak? Yes. There's no limit. We provide as much time as needed.
Can we scatter multiple people's ashes? Yes. Some families honor multiple loved ones in one ceremony.
Do we have to do the scattering ourselves? No. Participate as much or as little as you like. Our staff can handle everything.
What if weather is bad? We'll reschedule for safe conditions. Morning ceremonies have calmer seas.
Will we see marine life? Very likely. Dolphins and sea lions are common in Santa Monica Bay, though we can't guarantee encounters.
Choose Your Vessel
Perfect for intimate family ceremonies, The Duchess accommodates up to 6 guests. This elegant yacht provides a private, peaceful setting for small groups to honor their loved one.
The Legend is the only Motor Yacht in The Marina del Rey harbor that can legally carry more than 12 passengers for hire. With capacity for up to 41 guests, it's perfect for larger families who want to gather together. Features include a flat-panel screen for slideshows, spacious deck areas, and comfortable indoor salon.
View pricing for both vessels.
Why Choose a Professional Service
Fully licensed: We operate under California Cremated Remains Disposer License #1036 with Los Angeles County Water Taxi operator, and Water Taxi licenses. Unlike bareboat charters that put legal liability on you, we provide fully captained, time/voyage, professional service.
Exceptional vessels: The Legend is the only motor yacht in Marina del Rey harbor that can legally carry more than 12 passengers (capacity for 41). The Duchess provides intimate ceremonies for up to six people.
We handle everything: From preparing the baskets to filing California permits, we manage all details.
Ready to Plan Your Ceremony?
Our experienced captains and crew have guided hundreds of families through this process with compassion and professionalism.
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