A Peaceful
Return to the Sea
Attended and unattended ash scattering ceremonies with compassionate guidance, EPA-compliant filing, and complete documentation for your family.
Choose the Path
That Feels Right
Every family is different. Whether you join us at sea or let our captain carry your wishes, the farewell will be handled with care.
Unattended Scattering
For families near or farThe captain performs a dignified scattering ceremony on your behalf, with a moment of reflection at sea. Ideal for families who cannot travel or prefer a simpler arrangement.
- Photos upon request
- GPS coordinates provided
- Scattering certificate included
- Get a quote now
Attended Ceremony
Family present on boardA private ash scattering cruise for family and friends. Ceremonies include time for music, readings, prayer, and a personal farewell approximately 3 miles offshore.
- Up to 6 passengers
- 90–120 minutes at sea
- Captain-led or family-led
- Personalize with flowers & music
EPA-Compliant Filing
Required documentation filed within 30 days of service
GPS Coordinates
Exact latitude and longitude recorded for your family
Remains Transfer
Free USPS shipping kit or local drop-off by appointment
Flower Options
Rose sprays, loose roses, and wreaths available to add
A Gentle Process
from Shore to Sea
The entire process is designed to be calm and straightforward. From scheduling to final paperwork, each step is handled with care so your family can focus on remembrance.
Choose a Service
Select either an attended or unattended sea scattering package and schedule by phone or online.
Transfer the Remains
Send cremated remains using the provided shipping kit or use local drop-off and pickup options by appointment.
Personalize the Ceremony
Add readings, music, prayers, flowers, and other personal touches to create a meaningful farewell at sea.
Scattering at Sea
The captain conducts the ceremony approximately 3 nautical miles offshore, with family attendance available on attended packages.
Receive Final Documents
You receive coordinates and a scattering certificate, and we file the required EPA notice within 30 days.
Peaceful Farewells
with Clear Guidance
Serene Sea Burials serves families from Carolina Beach with attended and unattended ash scattering services designed for simplicity, dignity, and peace of mind.
Attended packages include a private vessel experience for up to six passengers and typically run 90 to 120 minutes offshore, with time for readings, prayer, flowers, and reflection.
Each service includes documented coordinates and required EPA notification filing. Families receive certificates and records after the ceremony for both remembrance and compliance.
A calm, respectful process can make an overwhelming moment feel manageable for the whole family.
Words from Those
Who Know
“With heartfelt gratitude we would like to thank Anthony Greer of Serene Sea Burials and Captain Tony Talman of Reel Teal Charters for organizing our attended ash scattering ceremony. They were very professional and friendly, all around nice people and fulfilled our wishes for our fathers burial at sea according to our mothers instructions of his wishes. The sunrise service was beautiful and our family is very satisfied with their services. A sincere thanks from the Howard family.”
“There's something deeply peaceful about the way Serene Sea Burials helps families say goodbye. You can feel the heart and reverence behind every detail. A truly beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Anthony and Seren Sea Burials treated me with the utmost care, respect and compassion during a difficult time. I felt that Anthony was deeply invested in the preparing, celebrating and dignifying final goodbye to my loved one. Serene Sea Burials provides such a unique and beautiful experience for the hardest transition we as humans can go through. I highly recommend giving Seren Sea Burials a call to honor your loved ones with a memorable, peaceful celebration in nature.”
“During one of the hardest times of our lives Serene Sea Burials took care of us, they were kind, patient and thoughtful from beginning to end. If your loved one enjoyed the ocean as much as our family member did, this is the perfect service to honor their memory. Highly recommended.”
“My family used their unattended ash scattering service and it was done in a beautiful and dignified manner, while not being overly expensive. Would highly recommend Serene Sea Burials because of their professionalism and how easy they make the process.”
Answers to Help
Guide You Forward
Yes. Burial at sea is legal when handled under EPA rules. For cremated remains, scattering is performed at least 3 nautical miles from shore. We manage the required compliance steps for each service.
Sea scattering is conducted approximately 3 nautical miles offshore in accordance with federal requirements.
Attended services are structured for an intimate experience and can accommodate up to 6 passengers.
Most attended ash scattering services are approximately 90 to 120 minutes from departure to return.
Yes. Unattended options are available for families who cannot be on board. The captain performs the service respectfully and documentation is provided afterward.
Families may use a provided shipping kit with USPS Priority Mail Express, or coordinate local drop-off and pickup options by appointment.
You receive a sea scattering certificate and location details. EPA notification is also submitted within the required 30-day timeframe.
Have a question we haven't answered?
Contact our team →Guidance & Insights
The True Cost of Saying Goodbye
The average traditional funeral now costs between $10,000 and $15,000. For many families, this financial burden arrives at their most vulnerable moment. Sea burial offers a dignified, meaningful alternative — at a fraction of the cost.
A Legal, Dignified Farewell
Sea burial is a fully legal, federally regulated process governed by the EPA. Many families are surprised to learn how straightforward it is — especially when you have a provider who manages every requirement on your behalf.
What to Expect on the Day
Many families tell us the same thing before their ceremony: they are not sure what to expect. This guide walks you through the day from arrival to return, so your family can focus entirely on being together.
The Ocean as a Final Resting Place
Something is shifting in how Americans think about death, legacy, and the environment. Sea burial sits at the center of that shift — and the families choosing it are doing so for reasons that go far deeper than cost.
Is It Legal to Scatter Ashes on the Beach?
Scattering ashes on the beach sounds simple, but the law is more complicated than most families realize. Here is what is legal, what is not, and the clean EPA-compliant path that most families ultimately choose.
Where Can You Legally Scatter Ashes?
Most families are surprised by how narrow the list of clearly legal scattering locations really is. Here is a practical guide, grouped by location type, with the compliance rules families most need to know.
Can You Scatter Ashes Anywhere?
No, you cannot scatter ashes anywhere you like. But the rules are easier to follow than most families realize — and they come down to three simple principles.
We're Here
Whenever You
Are Ready
Ask questions, request a shipping kit, or arrange a ceremony. We keep the process clear, respectful, and easy to navigate for every family.
Get a Quote Now
All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.
We respond as soon as possible during business hours.