The people involved with this business were unfailingly kind and helpful. They were excellent at explaining what steps were needed and my options for various ways to go about things. We had a beautiful experience and I would highly recommend their services. read more

My mom wanted her ashes to be put in the sea in a beautiful spot. The people at Ashes on the Sea were fantastic in understanding what we wanted, which was peaceful, unhurried and a quiet parting with mom's ashes into the sea. I feel fortunate that we had Captain Chris who was very supportive and understanding along with great weather. Thank you, Ashes on the Sea. Highly recommended. Jeofrey Bean read more

Ashes On The Sea - The basket with ashes and flowers readied for entry into the sea. - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me

My brother was handicapped all of his life so taking him out on the ocean was difficult but thanks to Island Packers in Ventura, I was able to take him, twice. He loved it. In December he passed away (but lived to 75!) and I knew immediately that he would love for his family to get together and scatter his ashes at sea. Ashes on the Sea made that happen. It was easy to arrange,got to see the boat ahead of time (I had concerns because there would be kids on the boat). Captain Phillip was always available with my questions. It was the perfect way to celebrate my brother's life. Though the waves were choppy the day we went out of Ventura Harbor, the boat was comfortable (glassed in) and the Captain and his mate were wonderful. They were experienced sailors, friendly and compassionate. Thank you for making it the special day my brother deserved. read more

Ashes on the Sea made it easy to book a yacht to spread my husband's ashes. Everything was easy and the day was absolutely perfect. We went out of Newport. The crew was professional and everything went smoothly. We brought appetizers and we had access to a bar for drinks. The captain said some touching words before we spread the ashes at sea. Roses were provided for us to throw in the ocean with the ashes. I didn't want the cruise to end as it was so soothing and peaceful. Thank you. read more

In the weeks since my mother's passing, I called Ashes on the Sea three times requesting to arrange a reef memorial for her remains. Each time, I was told I would receive a call back with information. I never received a call or even so much as a voicemail. I hope to find another memorial service provider that won't leave me feeling so ignored and disrespected. read more

We used this company to scatter my best friends ashes last Sunday in San Diego. Our captain was Chris and his mate was Holly. They could not have been more considerate, kind, helpful and professional. They made a difficult situation seamless. I will use them in the future without hesitation. Thank you Chris and Holly read more

My family, extended family and my son's friends were all accommodated on their ship to cruise out of San Diego Bay beyond the horizon to bury my son at sea per his wishes. He was a U.S. Navy sailor serving aboard Los Angles class fast attack submarines in San Diego, specifically the U.S.S Topeka, SSN 754, most of the time. He was also an avid sailing enthusiast and held his sailing license for sailing in San Diego Bay. He would have loved piloting their ship. It was an experience no one will ever forget. At my preparations meeting before burial day, I received a lot of useful information, including where to buy fresh rose petals to include in our ceremony, several choices of biodegradable containers for ashes, plus choices and methods of final resting ceremonies. I will always be grateful for everything these people helped us with and how they conducted everything. read more

We charted Living on Island Time to spread ashes of our loved one. The boat was perfect and clean. The crew was awesome. They supplied rose petals and a certificate of the coordinates of where the ashes were spread in the ocean. I would definitely recommend. read more

Captain John was amazing and made us feel so comfortable. We appreciate how easy the process was and how he went out of his way to help has make a positive and lasting memory. read more

Unfortunately, I was not impressed by Ashes by the Sea. If you read most of the reviews, they are about the captain. Which Jon was wonderful the day of spreading of my mother's ashes. So if this was a review about him, it would be five stars. Thank you Jon. I had multiple conversations with Philip and every time I had to explain who I was, and the date that I had hired them. I realize people can have a lot of customers, but I had a unique situation and I had to explain it every time I talked to him which is frustrating when you a grieving. Also, there was misinformation about us going on the boat versus watching from shore which I had to make clear multiple times. One week before I received an email from there office asking when would we be dropping off the ashes and arranging that even though two months before they sent me the name of the captain and who we would be going on the boat which was very confusing and again needed to call to confirm details. Lastly, 1.5 months later after we hired them they sent an email thanking us. It would have been nice to get that thank you much sooner. So all this to say there customer service and organization could have been much much better. When you are in this type of business it would help to be heard and remembered when you are going through such a difficult time. read more

Such a great ride out to free my Mom. John was the most trustworthy (on the highest swells in weeks) and gracious captain (took my video so I could participate in the tribute). Could not have asked for a better send off for Connie. So glad we called, even last minute. Again, thank you! read more

We scattered our parents ashes of Sunset Cliffs today. Captain Jon was great. He showed up exactly on time and was very helpful with all the details. Helped us with the flowers and ashes but was respectful. It was a special time for our family. Thank you Captaincies. Jon. read more

We were very pleased with the service we received from Ashes On The Sea. Everything went exactly according to plan, and Captain John was very friendly and helpful. We can recommend this business to anyone looking for any type of burial at sea. read more

They were always helpful whenever I called with questions. The captain was helpful and respectful. The boat was good.

This was actually our second time booking with Captain John this year. The first was for my brother back in November and this time for my Mom. Both times everything ran smoothly and saying goodbye on the bay at sunset was lovely. Would highly recommend this service. read more

How do you rate a business that deals with a time that can be very emotional? In this case it is easy to give a five plus star review. Philip and Martha were so easy to talk to and schedule the scattering of our parents ashes. We had to reschedule due to weather and they were more than accommodating. We had added complication of foreign death certificates - not a problem for Philip. Captain Chris was a most excellent boat captain and compassionate person to assist us with our celebration of life. Chris brought white and red rose petals and assisted with the scattering. Thank you to all for making this day easy and special. read more

Appreciated how easy the process was to arrange for the scattering of ashes. The team were courteous and very professional, while also allowing for us to enjoy the experience. read more

We also highly recommend NOT using this man. Our experience with him was disappointing and unprofessional. We reached out when arranging a Celebration of Life and found "Captain Philip Dodge" who communicated poorly (except when it came to $$$), confused details, forgot, failed to organize, overpromised and underdelivered. He ultimately flaked on us at the last minute. We reserved a boat with him last February for our service in September. We discovered, a week before the event, that the boat had had "an engine fire" and would not be available on our date/time. When questioned, "Captain Dodge" agreed to find a replacement craft (for a fee of course), yet he failed to do so. We made one phone call to a nearby charter company - they had not heard from him and were delighted to supply a lovely sailboat and assist with our event. Thanks for NOTHING. JUST SAY NO and move on, there are many more fish in the sea. read more

A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone at Ashes on the Sea. I had never done anything like this before and felt overwhelmed at first, but you all made everything go so smoothly and were very attentive to my questions. My husband's ash placement was even more beautiful and special than I could have imagined. Captain James and his assistant were very respectful of the occasion and I genuinely felt like they cared. They also went out of their way to make my wishes happen and stepped in to handle many of the little things like playing the music and taking the flowers, so that I could focus on saying goodbye. You all helped give my husband, our family, and especially our kids the closure that we needed and comfort knowing he could rest in such a magnificent place. read more

I rarely get impressed. I am speechless. Philip is a gentleman. I thank you guys for giving me the opportunity to say goodbye to my beloved father. God Bless you all. read more

I booked a sea burial for my aunt and it was more than I expected. The boat was out of sea forth landing and the facilitator Jon and was the best. He met us right at the dock. Helped us with everything. Instructed on how the trip would go and answered all the questions we needed. The crew was kind too. Very helpful. The large boat had much room for all my family needs. This really gave us a unique experience for my family and allowed us to heal. The cost was very reasonable and you have more than enough time to do what you need. No doubt I will be using them again and will definitely recommend them. Thanks Phillip and Jon! read more

Ashes On The Sea - Our sea burial service with our family in the lower deck - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me

My mom and I scattered my dads ashes yesterday at sunrise. Darcy was our captain and she was fantastic. My mom loved her! She took us out and because there was some fog and visibility was very low, she said we can wait to see if the sun would burn it off. Not long after, it cleared up and the morning was calm and beautiful. We said goodbye to my dad for the last time as the sun rose. Darcy circled around the flower petals so that I could take photos. She is very knowledgeable about San Diego and told us about the things we saw around us as we went out and came back. I wish I saw the $50 off when I made the arrangements. Oh well. read more

See all

The sunset burial was everything we envisioned.  Jon was our facilitator and he did everything to ensure that it went well.  He met us early at Seaforth Landing, he and his assistant Quinn helped us load our food and drinks onto the boat, we gave the ashes to Jon and he handled the rest.  Captain Rob kept us steady at the burial spot.  The weather cooperated for the celebration of life - with sunshine, calm seas, rainbow, and warmth.  The sunset was awesome.  Jon is very kind and did a fantastic job with all the details.  Thank you Jon!! read more

Ashes on the Sea went above and beyond as we said our final goodbye to Dad (March 2018). It was very important to be near a specific beach and they happily accommodated us. We live out of state and they were able to help guide us through CA paperwork. The entire process - from the initial phone call and e-mails to stepping off the boat - made this difficult time easier for all of us. Captain Phillip was wonderful to talk to on the phone and went the extra mile coordinating a wreath arrangement for one of Dad's Navy buddies who could not attend the ceremony. He met us at the dock and took care of everything - never making us feel rushed. Captain Art oriented us with the boat (the Osprey), helped us connect my phone to the sound system and took photos that beautifully documented the service - an unexpected gift. I have no doubt this type of care happens on each and every trip out to sea. Kindness and professionalism are worth so much during that final farewell. read more

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BEFORE YOU BOOK WITH THEM. This review is specifically for Ashes On The Sea and Phillip. We were beyond disappointed with what he communicated to us versus what we received on the day of the sea burial for my beloved uncle. My aunt and I discussed on the phone with Phillip at least 6 times over the course of 2 weeks and she exchanged several emails with him. FAILS from Phillip & Ashes on the Sea: - BOAT: We did not get a yacht as he said we would, it was a fishing boat. Fishing boats are significantly less expensive. Extra disappointing since my aunt explictly asked if it was indeed a yacht or a fishing boat given that it was leaving from Dock 52 (Marina del Rey, CA). PHILLIP LIED and said it would be a yacht. - COMMUNICATION: Phillip contracted out to Jeffery who was told to contract out to a fishing boat. Phillip did NOT communicate anything to Jeff that we had discussed in any of our emails/phone calls except that we wanted 2 hours for a sea burial. The fishing boat captain was told NOTHING. - TIME: We were told we'd have at least 15 mins to setup before our 60 guests arrived. This was not communicated to the fishing boat captain, and so the captain thought we would board only 5 mins before. - SET-UP: We asked for tables, an outlet, and space to setup for the memorial - which was not communicated to the fishing boat captain. Fortunately, the fishing boat captain, Jeremy let us board sooner while his crew cleaned up from the fishing expedition that just finished. He let us clear out the cluttered galley (as best as possible) to make room for the memorial and our guests. We had asked that the galley accomodate 60, it accomodated 28. - LOWERING DEVICE: we had my uncle's ashes in a biodegradeable shell and needed it to be lowered down. Phillip said this service would be included. The fishing boat captain had no idea that they would need to do anything. Luckily, the guy who Phillip contracted it out to, Jeff, showed up, and he had a makeshift device of a too small of a basket, but we managed. (We had communciated to Phillip the dimensions two weeks before to make sure the lowering device would fit the shell.) RECOMMENDATION FOR SEA BURIAL: You might as well go directly to the fishing boat to rent it for the hour or two you need it. You'll cut out significant cost and miscommunication/lies from Phillip. You can google fishing boat rentals from your desired marina and discuss directly with the fishing boat captain. Regardless of what boat you rent or which service provider you go with, YOU are responsible for getting the permit, so Ashes on the Sea is not providing any special service, but they are charging for it. If you are going to go to Marina Del Rey, we recommend you contact Captain Jeremy Maltz and rent his boat, the Spitfire. He was very accomodating for not having any notice of what we needed and expected for the service. read more

Thank you to Ashes on the Sea for everything you did to provide a beautiful experience for our family and friends to say goodbye to our dad when we scattered his ashes off the coast of San Diego on Sunday. Philip was very helpful when I called and his staff was quick to followup with emails and information for us to share with our guests before the actual trip. Diane met all of us on the dock- she was very friendly as well as compassionate. She walked my brothers and me through each step of the journey to scatter our father's ashes near the Cabrillo Monument. We were able to play the 3 songs my dad requested while his ashes were lowered into the water. As difficult as it was to say our goodbyes, the experience was made easier with the help of everyone at Ashes on the Sea. Thank you to the captain and crew as well! read more

We had a memorial service for my brother in law last February 25,2018. very beautiful service and fun ride to the ocean. weather cooperates with us. very nice service staff are very accommodating, made us feel comfortable and they are such an expert navigating the boat.we did the service in Santa Cruz, California such a wonderful experience to all of us and family. Ashes On The Sea excellent, BEST service ThankU! read more

I called to inquire about sea burial services and spoke to Ken at Ashes on the sea on June 17, 2015. After getting the info and pricing I called him back on the same day and made arrangements for June 22, 2015. He took my credit card information and stated he will put a hold on my credit card and once he's able to confirm the time and date with boat captain "John" he will confirm everything. This company is based out of San Diego, CA and appears to contract out services in Orange County to another provider who is not affiliated with this company. Regardless, the individual who was the boat captain never confirmed the time nor was he responding to phone calls or emails. I tried calling him on his cell phone several times to change the pick up time from 9 am to 10 am couple of days before the scheduled time for burial at he sea, but he never answered his cell or returned my messages. I contacted on Monday and told him the boat captain "John" hasn't confirmed the time and I need to push the time to 10 am instead 9 am in case he finally decides to respond to our phone calls, he stated he will contact John and call me back. He didn't return my call that day. Upon checking my credit card transactions I noticed I was charged $724 by Ashes On The Sea on June 17, 2015 even though he did not tell me my card was going to be charged but rather they were reserving the spot for me. Also they did not rendered any services and the boat captain was a No-Show on the date and time we had requested the service. I emailed Ken from Ashes on the sea and requested full refund upon finding out about the charge and he finally decided to contact me. I also contacted my credit card company to dispute the charge. It is unfortunate for this company to take advantage of people when they are mourning the loss of family members and want to put the in the resting place. They definitely lack ethics, integrity, and compassion. Please stay away from this company. read more

After researching many burial at sea companies online, my sisters and I decided to go with Ashes On The Sea. They were very compassionate and helpful during such a difficult time in our lives. Having never planned a memorial before, they walked me through the process and offered various suggestions for the family. Unfortunately, due to a family member's illness, we had to postpone our reservations for burial at sea. Ashes On The Sea were very understanding and accommodating. Needless to say, a year later after my mother's passing, the family has decided to make other arrangements for her ashes. I recently contacted Ashes on The Sea regarding a refund for the deposit we made for burial at sea. Even though the deposit was made over a year ago, they were very understanding and issued the full refund within a few days of me contacting them. Even though we did not receive full services through Ashes On The Sea, I would not hesitate to refer them to family and friends .. as I was very impressed with their professionalism and understanding. read more

Thank you so much to Ashes on the Sea for doing such a beautiful job for me and my family! We spread my husbands ashes at sea. My kids and I prepared the basket with the ashes and flowers, with the help of Diane Knaus. Diane was so caring and helpful! The crew was very nice and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! It was a nice boat and it was nice that they provided refreshments. We scattered the ashes with the the basket filled with tea leaves and rose petals. It was a beautiful moment and memory. My mom and dad, and some of my friends, were so impressed that they are now rethinking being buried and instead having their ashes scattered at sea. Everyone at Ashes on the Sea made it easy for us. I highly recommend them! read more

I would not recommend this service. Captain Phillip misled us in regards the needed permit. I sent our permit to him and he said it was fine. On day of service, the boat company said it was not a proper permit. As a grieving family we rely on the "professional" to guide us. He was wrong and took no responsibility about it. I had to call 4 times to get a response. read more

I love the service that Ashes on the Sea provides. Since our bodies are organic, it has always seemed like a waste to me to use up space in the earth for caskets that will never biodegrade. I know this is my own personal viewpoint and that everyone will not necessarily agree. Even better than scattering my ashes, I simply love the idea of turning myself into a living reef which Ashes on the Sea can do. Personal ashes can be molded into a reef type of object and family members can add memories, baubles and other keepsakes into the reef before it sinks down into the sea. They provide a gentle and thoughtful service and it is of course, very eco-friendly! read more

Highly recommend Not using him. We booked a boat for an ash scattering with Phillip and his service with us was terrible. There was an engine fire 2.5 weeks before the event then he neglected to even inform us about. We had to get another boat a week before our ash scattering because of his lack of communication, lack of organization, and he lied to us on numerous occasions. read more

Captain Ken did a terrific job with the scattering of the ashes ceremony for my mother. The boat ride from mission bay to the ocean off of crystal pier in pacific beach was exciting and fun. We had plenty of time to perform the ceremony and was amazed how peaceful and spiritual it was. Ken also tried to help us spot whales and dolphins and we got to see some sea lions. I highly recommend the Ashes on the Sea service and will use them again for my loved ones. read more

Captain Ken did a wonderful job in helping us get through a difficult day. He was in contact with us several times prior to the day we choose to scatter mom's ashes. He carefully answered all questions and provided some options we could consider. There are many decisions to be made and while grieving they can be difficult to make. Captain Ken was patient and willing to work with us to make sure the day perfectly honored my mom's wishes. Ashes On The Sea will work with you to create a beautiful memorial for your loved one. I highly recommend them. read more

This evening Capt. Ken took my family out to place my mother-in-law in her final resting place. While a difficult time, Ken and his crew did a wonderful job. Upon arrival they cut the engines so we could have a peaceful ceremony. We took a while saying our goodbyes and we were not rushed to get back in. I recommend contacting Ken if your love one wish is to have their ashes spread at sea. read more

Wonderful experience to release our parents ashes with family. Very kind and helpful crew. Thank you read more

Ashes On The Sea - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me

See all

Five stars with a caveat, because Ashes on the Sea is a booking service for boats and doesn't operate the boats make sure you establish communication with your captain ASAP before the trip. My Father made the arrangements for a scattering trip, primarily for my brother to be at the actual event. I attended as well, the trip was booked through Ashes On The Sea, time was set. The day of the trip I had all the paperwork, Mom, and an address to meet our captain and board the boat. The location was in Newport Beach, and actual meet point was the Harbor Patrol office in Newport, not an issue but it's helpful to know the address you're going to is a place. I arrived well ahead of time and found local street parking and waited. I was advised by my father (a stickler for punctuality)to arrive 15min before depart time to meet the captain and crew. That time arrived with no captain at the location. I called the captain via the paperwork number and he answered. Very apologetic that Ashes on the Sea had not confirmed the trip to him. He was only contacted prior by them for availability. I explained I had the paid receipt and was expecting a trip. The captain (John) again apologized and said he could be at the boat in an hour. Confirmed I was in the right place and said his wife would crew for the trip and she would meet us at the Harbor patrol lot to bring us to the boat. My brother arrived (this would've been a disaster had he been the one to be told the trip was running late) I explained there was a minor hiccup and the trip was running a little late. The actual trip and service. I'd like to commend Capt John and his wife. They did a fantastic job and the "Good Fortune" was perfect for the trip. The service was dignified, professional and beautiful all thanks to Captain John and his lovely wife. They explained how the boat would move, the service itself, and how ashes would be released and we could add to it or do whatever we liked "the boat was ours" and honestly it felt like it. I can't praise the "Good fortune" and her crew enough. Beautiful! Thank you! My brother rang the bell which gave him closure he needed, my 13yo son even had a few minutes at the helm to control the "Good Fortune" as I said they more than made up for the issue on their end. Would I use "Ashes on the Sea" again? Yes I would, and I'd recommend the "Good Fortune" without hesitation! But, knowledge is power and knowing now how the system works is priceless, as a grieving, ignorant person trying to figure out how this all would go off....I think there's room for improvement in communication and the confirmation process. I discussed the "hiccup" with my father well after the fact, he didn't need the stress at the time when emotions were so sensitive. It shouldn't have happened at all. read more

My wife contacted Ken and Anya and so we could meet my my mother in laws 'burial' wishes. Mom always wanted to be "thrown into the ocean". Ken and Anya set us up with Captain Ken (not Anya's husband), Darcy and Brock to perform the memorial. We sailed out on the Adventuress which was a 60 foot catamaran sailboat. Rose petals were supplied along with the gerberra daisies we requested as those were mom's favorites. Everything went smoothly and it was a beautiful ceremony. we spent the time talking about Mom, the things she liked to do and the life she had. I can't say enough positive things about Ken, Anya, Captain, Ken, Darcy or Brock. Everyone was wonderful and the memorial was perfect. I would recommend them to anyone looking for this type service and would also use them again when the time comes for other family members. read more

Ashes On The Sea - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me

I was pleased to learn unattended scattering of ashes was possible, especially since I live in Ohio and assumed the responsibility of seeing that the ashes of a step-uncle that I met twice in 50 years were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. The company was very responsive to my initial inquiry and answered all my question. Being satisfied with the customer service I received and the online reviews, I entrusted this company with carrying out the scattering. I called three days after mailing the ashes express/overnight. Given it was a weekend, it was reasonable to expect the ashes would be claimed Monday morning. USPS Tracking problems led me to call to see if the ashes had been receive. They had been "a bit ago." Two days later I received confirmation that all fees were paid and a scattering would be scheduled. Having received no feedback for 11 days, I contacted the company to ask if a date had been selected for the scattering. I heard back 2 days later that the scattering would likely take place in three days, with a window of time given for the scattering. Another 9 days pass and I hadn't received confirmation that the scattering took place or the coordinates of the scattering, so I reached out via email. Another 7 days pass and still no response, so I called and left a message. I did get a prompt return call and was assured the ashes had been scattered. The "system" was updated and an email was sent providing me with the coordinates where the ashes were scattered. A phone call the day of the scattering, as noted on the website, and timely communication would have left me feeling confident about the service I paid to have completed. Sadly, I'll always wonder if the unattended scattering happened as advertised. Being busy is not an acceptable excuse for poor and delayed communication. If there is a next time, I will attend the scattering or use a different company. read more