2026 Burial at Sea Price Summary
| Service Type | Price Range (US) | What's Included | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unattended Ash Scattering | $195 – $695 | Captain and crew scatter ashes at sea; GPS coordinates and certificate of scattering provided; EPA notification filed | 2–14 days from inquiry |
| Attended Ceremony Charter | $695 – $2,500 | Vessel charter for family (typically 6–30 guests); ceremony on the water; flower petals often included; certificate and EPA notification | 1–4 weeks to schedule |
| Full Body Burial at Sea | $3,500 – $8,000+ | Funeral director coordination; body preparation; transit permit; vessel charter; EPA permitting; burial at sea shroud/casket | 4–12 weeks (permitting) |
| Eco Memorial Reef | $3,500 – $7,500 | Ashes mixed into concrete reef ball; placement at permitted reef site; GPS coordinates; optional memorial dive for family | 4–8 weeks (casting) |
| Military Burial at Sea (US Navy) | Free | US Navy vessel scatters remains while underway; family receives coordinates and formal notification letter; US flag sent to family | Variable (next deployment) |
Note: All prices are US market estimates for 2026 and will vary by provider, state, and specific service details. International pricing is in local currency and will differ.
Factors That Affect the Price
The price range for any given service type is wide because several factors influence what you'll actually pay:
1. Distance Offshore
The further offshore a vessel must travel to reach EPA-qualifying waters (3nm+), the more fuel is consumed. Providers near direct ocean access — like Montauk NY or Port Aransas TX — have lower fuel costs than those operating out of harbors that require a 45-minute inland navigation before reaching open water. Providers at Monterey or Key West reach open water quickly; those operating from Corpus Christi's inner harbor take longer.
2. Vessel Size and Guest Capacity
Small vessels (6 guests or fewer) are less expensive to operate and charter. Larger vessels with capacity for 20–50 guests cost significantly more per day but can accommodate large extended families. If you have more than 10 guests, a larger vessel becomes essential — and the cost per head may actually be lower than booking multiple smaller charters.
3. Number of Guests
Many providers charge a base rate (for a certain number of guests, e.g., 6) and then an incremental per-guest fee beyond that. Always ask about the per-person add-on rate when getting quotes, especially if you're expecting a larger gathering. Some providers cap group size; others can accommodate 40+ guests on larger charter vessels.
4. Add-On Services
Standard attended ceremony packages include the vessel, captain, crew, and basic flowers. Common add-ons that increase the price include:
- Chaplain or celebrant: $150–$400
- Biodegradable sea urn (supplier-sourced): $50–$300
- Flower tribute package (lei, loose petals, wreath): $75–$250
- Live musician (acoustic guitar, violin, bagpipes): $200–$600
- Video/photo documentation: $150–$500
- Catering / champagne toast on return: $200–$800
- Hawaiian blessing (pule) from cultural practitioner: $150–$400
5. Season and Day of Week
Peak season pricing applies in high-demand markets. Florida, Hawaii, and California providers often charge premium rates in their high tourist seasons. Weekend availability is typically more expensive than weekday services. Off-season or early-morning slot bookings can save 10–25%.
Price by State — Regional Variation
Geography, competition, and local market dynamics affect pricing significantly. Here is a general overview of attended ceremony charter prices by state:
Florida
Florida is the most competitive burial at sea market in the US, with dozens of providers competing along both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. This competition keeps prices relatively moderate — attended ceremonies typically run $695–$1,800 for 6–12 guests. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are on the higher end; Sarasota, Clearwater, and Panama City somewhat lower. Unattended scattering from $195–$395.
California
California's premium coastal real estate prices and higher operating costs push ceremony prices slightly higher — expect $795–$2,200 for attended services in the LA and Bay Area markets. Santa Barbara and Monterey providers are moderately priced. Hawaii-style premium ceremonies in California coastal markets can reach $2,500+.
New York
New York's maritime overhead costs, fuel prices, and harbor fees make it a more expensive market. Attended ceremonies in the NYC metro typically run $900–$2,500. Long Island (East End/Montauk) providers may be slightly more affordable for families in Suffolk County. Unattended scattering from $395–$595.
Hawaii
Hawaii commands the highest prices of any US state, reflecting the premium destination setting and added cultural ceremony elements. Attended ceremonies with Hawaiian blessing run $895–$3,500. Most Hawaii providers do not offer rock-bottom pricing — the experience is positioned as a premium memorial, not a commodity service.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When comparing quotes from burial at sea providers, these are the items most commonly excluded from the advertised price:
- Cremation fees: If the provider only handles the water service (not the funeral home), cremation costs ($900–$2,500 typically) are separate.
- Death certificate copies: Multiple certified copies of the death certificate ($10–$25 each) are needed for various filings. You'll want 4–10 copies.
- Fuel surcharges: Some providers add a fuel surcharge that isn't in the base price. Ask explicitly.
- Port fees and parking: Marina parking, launch fees, or harbor dues may be the family's responsibility.
- Biodegradable urn: If you want an urn placed in the water rather than loose ashes scattered, this is typically an add-on cost.
- Second ceremony (if weather cancels the first): Most providers offer one free reschedule for weather cancellations, but confirm this in writing before booking.
How to Get a Fair Quote
Comparing burial at sea providers can feel uncomfortable when you're grieving. Here are practical tips for getting an accurate, fair quote:
- Ask for an itemised quote in writing. A reputable provider will happily provide a written breakdown of all charges.
- Ask specifically: "What is NOT included?" This surfaces hidden extras faster than anything else.
- Confirm EPA notification is included. This is a legal obligation — providers who skip it put you at risk of non-compliance.
- Ask about the certificate of scattering. This should be included at no extra charge. If a provider charges for this, look elsewhere.
- Compare 2–3 providers. In competitive markets like Florida and Southern California, prices can vary $300–$700 for equivalent services. It's worth a few calls.
- Check for USCG licensing. Unverified operators may offer lower prices but put you at legal and safety risk.