Compare Burial at Sea Service Types
Not all burial at sea services are the same. The four main options — ash scattering, full body burial, eco memorial reef, and military service — differ significantly in cost, timeline, family involvement, and environmental impact. This page breaks them down side by side so you can make the right choice for your family.
Service Type Overview
Ash Scattering at Sea
Best for: Most families seeking a simple, meaningful, and affordable ocean farewell. Suitable for anyone regardless of religion or background.
Cost Range: $195 – $2,500
Pros
- Most affordable option
- Available nationwide — any US coastal state
- Family can attend (or not)
- Quick timeline — days to weeks
- Minimal environmental impact
- Certificate of scattering provided
- GPS coordinates to remember the location
Cons
- No permanent physical memorial site to visit
- Weather can cancel or delay the ceremony
- Some families find scattering emotionally difficult
Full Body Burial at Sea
Best for: Families with a strong maritime tradition, US Navy veterans (civilian arranged), or those with philosophical/religious reasons to avoid cremation.
Cost Range: $3,500 – $8,000+
Pros
- Traditional, historic form of ocean burial
- No cremation required
- Powerful and ceremonially significant
- Family can attend
Cons
- Expensive — highest cost of any option
- Longest timeline — weeks to months for permitting
- Requires EPA/state permits and funeral director coordination
- Very few civilian operators available
- Not available in all US states
Eco Memorial Reef
Best for: Environmental advocates, divers, nature lovers, and families who want to create a lasting, living legacy in the ocean ecosystem.
Cost Range: $3,500 – $7,500
Pros
- Creates a permanent reef habitat for marine life
- Tangible, permanent memorial that can be dived
- Strong environmental legacy — reefs create ecosystems
- GPS coordinates enable future family visits by boat or dive
- Unique — stands apart from conventional burial options
Cons
- Higher cost than ash scattering
- 4–8 week timeline for reef ball casting
- Only available in permitted reef placement areas (primarily FL, TX, SC)
- Family cannot visit without diving or boating
Military Burial at Sea
Best for: Active duty and retired US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members; eligible veterans who want an official Navy service.
Cost Range: Free (via US Navy)
Pros
- Free of charge for eligible veterans
- Conducted with full military honor by US Navy
- Official documentation and flag provided to family
- Full body or cremated remains both accepted
Cons
- Family cannot attend — conducted while ship is underway
- Timeline is unpredictable (depends on vessel deployment)
- Limited to eligible military veterans and dependents
- No control over exact ceremony location
Full Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ash Scattering | Full Body Burial | Eco Memorial Reef | Military (US Navy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (US) | $195 – $2,500 | $3,500 – $8,000+ | $3,500 – $7,500 | Free |
| Timeline | Days to weeks | 4–12 weeks | 4–8 weeks | Variable (months) |
| Family Attendance | Optional | Yes | Optional (dive visit after) | No |
| Permit Required | EPA notification only | EPA permit + state transit permit | EPA notification + reef placement permit | Handled by Navy |
| Legal in all US states? | Yes (all coastal states) | No — varies by state | No — limited to permitted sites | Yes (federal program) |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal — ashes are inert minerals | Very low if conducted properly | Positive — creates marine habitat | Minimal |
| Personalisation | High — music, flowers, celebrant, timing | High — full ceremony on vessel | Moderate — reef design options, GPS memorial plaque | Low — Navy handles the service |