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    Marin Memorial Services

    5.0 (106 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Services - Marin Memorial Services

    Boat charters

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    Reviews With Photos

    Bamboo urn and flowers we brought for the service.
    Bobby C.

    I would not have been connected with Marin Memorial Services without Honor Cremations as they are the funeral service I worked with after the recent passing of my wife who offer a scattering at sea plan. I scheduled a weekday charter and hoped for calm waters and nice weather and credit my wife's spirit for helping out to make both happen on a special day to celebrate her life. Everything about the ceremony on the Blue Runner went smoothly as it naturally unfolded. Even with planning, I welcomed the guidance of First Mate Jim as he recommended we have the chaplain's eulogy first followed by the scattering of ashes and tossing flowers into the waters to mark the location of her ashes because of the tides. What helped to make the ceremony even more touching is when a family member blew a conch shell horn before and after I scattered her ashes to acknowledge the ocean/water spirits so that could welcome her. Additionally, Captain Ron allowed our 8-year nephew to quietly sit next to him at the helm during the trips to and from Kirby Cove. Both Captain Ron and First Mate Jim were respectful and offered their condolences to every family member. It was a memorable and touching ceremony that my family definitely appreciated. I would definitely recommend Marin Memorial Services for any family considering a scattering at sea service.

    Stan S.

    We recently scattered the ashes of our long-time friend and I could not have been more pleased with the outcome of the trip. We had a fairly large group of people with several of them having flown out from the east coast to be here. Everyone who attended the memorial agreed that it was a lovely and fitting way to say goodbye to our friend and family member. Both Captain Brian and his Deckhand Jim were supportive and accommodating the entire time without ever being intrusive. They gave us advice and options on the best way to scatter the ashes and flowers that we brought along; worked with us to provide the music that we wanted for the event and offered to take a picture of our group. The Blue Runner itself was as clean as a whistle. Before the trip ever happened, I had been talking with Todd at Marin Memorial. He was also very helpful and accommodating without ever being pushy. It was his attitude and patience that helped sell me on Marin Memorial. The cost for the trip was very reasonable and I very much appreciated the fact that finances were never mentioned until the trip was complete and everyone else had exited the boat. These are obviously people who understand why you are there and do whatever they can to make the event comfortable for all involved. I would not hesitate one moment to utilize the services of Marin Memorial again should the reason arise to do so. I have no qualms whatsoever in highly recommending Marin Memorial

    I recently booked Marin Memorial Services to scatter my dads ashes. Of course anything surrounding loosing a loved one is stressful but Todd was very informative and understanding. The captain Brian made the trip smooth sailing, literally. My family was more than satisfied with the service and I would definitely recommend them to others.

    Dried flowers from Michaels celebration of Life
    Lani C.

    Each detail of setting up services for my son Michael have been carefully considered and I was so very pleased with this last act of love spreading my son's ashes. Talking to Todd the owner & then Ron and Jim on the boat - everything was perfect. We found the perfect spot seeing both the Golden Gate & Bay bridge. What made it even more special were we saw harbor porpoise- mini looking dolphins, seagulls and pelicans. My son Michael absolutely loved fishing, hunting and being on the bay. I would highly recommend this company as as hard as this was they were absolutely the best.

    Lizzie V.

    Marin Memorial was hands down the most kind and understanding company to work with. I called Todd a few times because this was just hard for me to plan, but I appreciate him being so helpful with me. We scattered my dad's ashes today and Captain Brian and Steph were so nice and patient with us. The boat was beautiful and perfect size for our intimate service. They explained what we'd would be doing, assisted us with my dad's ashes, and would check in I us from time to time. I'm so thankful for them making it as perfect as could be. Thank you all!

    It was my first time scattering ashes and Marin Memorial Services did an excellent job guiding me through the experience. The boat was comfortable with a heated cabin. Restroom was very clean. Captain Ron and Jim were superstars. Highly recommend going with them.

    John Q.

    I traveled alone to San Francisco from the Boston area to scatter my wife's ashes at the Golden Gate Bridge, which was something she had always wanted. I had lost her the previous December, and I did this on her birthday, Aug. 21 as I told her I would. My initial experience on the phone booking this charter with Captain Todd was great. We had a very pleasant conversation for some time that ranged beyond these arrangements and included life in general. The entire experience with Marin Memorial Services was, in a word, perfect. Upon meeting Captain Brian and deckhand Jim at the dock, I immediately felt at ease. Brian was very kind and down to earth in explaining everything to me. Jim, an old navy veteran, was equally kind and understanding. I wanted to show them both a few photos of my wife Janice so they would have some sense of her. Both men listened quietly and were very respectful. Honestly, from the get-go, I felt these two guys were people I could sit with and enjoy a few beers. That is a big litmus test for me. And so, we three men set out to honor this beautiful and remarkable woman. The departure time of 5:30pm was perfect and the trip out to the bridge was unforgettable. I had never seen it from this vantage point before and it is thrilling. When we had reached the location, the 360-degree immersion was a lot to take in. The incredible views of the bridge, the Marin Headlands, the ocean, the shipping, the wind, the spray. Jim innately understood just when to give me space alone and I had plenty of time to read a few items out loud which I had selected. When the moment was right, Jim assisted with the flower petals and Captain Brian cued the song I had requested as I scattered my wife's ashes into the water. It was just after this, that Jim made mention of my wife's name "Janice Marian". He then pointed to a large container ship passing under the bridge and churning past us at that moment. He pointed out the ship's name on the bow ... "Janet Marie". Jim said he'd been doing this for 30 years and still he was amazed by things he sees. I don't know for sure what to make of it now ... but in that moment it was powerful, and I am so glad Jim saw it and told me! The trip back to Sausalito was sublime. It was calmer as we were not going into the waves. Captain Brian kept my Sting Ten Summoners Tales CD playing, I cracked a beer and sat back and simply enjoyed the beauty all around me ... including a surfer on a hydrofoil. Brian and Jim together made this as perfect for me as it could have been. What a wonderful service to provide to people who are hurting. I highly recommend Marin Memorial Services for anyone seeking to honor their loved one in this way. I would recommend chartering just a tour anyway - it would be well worth it for yourself and up to 6 friends I believe.

    The Golden Gate

    As great of an experience as it could have been. From calling and asking many questions of Todd while researching and then making the reservations, to the actual day of. They met us at the end of the dock and were patient while my mom's best friend and her husband walked down and got on the boat (with assistive devices). They explained everything thoroughly and ask you your preferences for the time you have for your service out on the water. They were very supportive and helpful but gave space when needed. I would definitely recommend for anyone needing this type of service.

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    Very good service, entire trip took about 1.5 hr, the crew was respectful and the boat was nice.

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    We had the best time going around the city for a school scavenger hunt!

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    Page 2 of 3

    Ask the Community - Marin Memorial Services

    Is there a restroom on board?

    Absolutely

    Hi! I would like to ask if you cater a private cruise for 13 people in the same group of bubble. It would be on 11/13/2020 around 4pm onwards. I would also like to ask how much is the rates? Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.

    Yes we can accommodate your group. I would need to discus details. Please call 415 458 8700. Thank you… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Marin Memorial Services

    The Blue Runner was immaculate - just as I remembered from the 2019 service to scatter my sister's ashes.

    Mentioned in 28 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Jonathan Collection

    Jonathan Collection

    3.4
    (5 reviews)

    My dad was a WWII combat vet and as far back as I can remember he said he wanted a military…read morefuneral. Well, in 2008 or 2009 I found Mr. Field's company. I contacted him and he was great to work with. We put together a one of a kind WWII casket package for my dad. Today I started the pre-need process for my USAF package.

    More than two years after the passing of my father, as recently as a few weeks ago, Jonathan Field…read morehas continued to harass me and my family by calling and emailing to demand that we remove this Yelp review. He continues to insinuate threats of legal action against us for a negative review of what happened and how he screamed at me and our funeral director over telling him about his terribly damaged product. Nine months after dad's funeral, here is a portion of the email he sent to me, "I think that it is well overdue that you remove these photographs from YELP as what happened in no way am I responsible. [...] Your other remarks were unnecessary as we have stated and to be removed as well. I expect a reply from you stating that you have complied with my demands." Please take a moment to look at the photos of the damaged casket, then reread his words... "I expect a reply from you stating that you have complied with my demands." There are no words to adequately describe the nature of a person who would think they could fail so thoroughly at their responsibility to a customer but still turn around and "demand" something from them. After our last phone call, I told him I would ask my family if they would accept a legal settlement to resolve this matter. My family quickly and unanimously decided that his continued harassment, anger and insinuated threats prove that he is neither sorry for what happened, nor has he changed his tone about this situation. I emailed him to tell him we were declining any offer of financial settlement, and to this he replied, "There WILL be further contact with you Robbie! It is in progress." Again, more insinuations and threats. Additionally, he has now resorted to fabricating entire stories about our funeral director and my family refusing a new casket lid. It simply never happened, and even if it had been offered, it would never have worked. Our funeral home nor our grieving family would have had the desire to remove a lid from a casket and attach a new one. It's an absurd story that wouldn't make sense even if it were true. He is stopping at nothing to harass us. He states over and over that the dented casket is not his fault or responsibility. I have said the same thing to him for two years...your product, your responsibility. On our last call, I told him that he did not understand that the bad review was more about his yelling, screaming and terrible customer service than it was about a damaged casket. No matter what is said or done, please look at the attached photos. My father is buried in that dented casket. We received it two days before the funeral. We had no choice but to bury a Vietnam veteran, honorably discharged Marine Officer and Pilot in that damaged box. No amount of lying, anger toward my family or threats will change that. In the same way, nothing will change our resolve that we have the right to post a negative review when an experience as nightmarish as this occurs.

    Ashes On The Bay

    Ashes On The Bay

    5.0
    (3 reviews)

    Death can be overwhelming, especially the arrangements after. My guy was from SF and we lived in…read moreOakland. I wanted to return him home. Everyone knows about the Neptune society, and when I read about their process I looked for something else as they take you on large boat with other folks sending their loved ones off to sea and they only schedule monthly. We already had a celebration of life where tons of people showed up but we wanted something more intimate and private for the final send off. I found this service via Yelp. I sent an e-mail to inquire about the process and William promptly called me back the next day. He explained what he did and sounded just like something we wanted and that my dearly departed would have loved. I booked and received a prompt response, with a reminder to e-mail a copy of the scattering permit when I received it and the address and instructions for when we arrived. On the morning off, William sent a text message with same info. My brother-in-law got there before and William called to guide us how to get there. We all arrived and got on the boat, I think it's probably referred to at a cuddy cabin. It was cute and we step on and do go down into the cabin. Will makes sure you put your life jackets on and sign a waiver. He explained the process and away we went. The weather was great and as we approached the spot, we were escorted by a couple porpoises ? Will stopped in a spot with the golden gate to our right san francisco to our left and he helped me undo the bag and we gently scattered the ashes as he slowly moved up and we threw flowers (he also provided some) By the end of it we were all calm and at peace. If you want a private and peaceful experience, I highly recommend you book with this company.

    We flew from Phoenix to San Francisco for the day to spread ashes of loved ones on the water…read more Everything about the experience was wonderful and we will call you for just a little cruise on the water next time coming to San Francisco. Captain it was a pleasure meeting you. Thanks so much!!!!

    Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home

    Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home

    4.4
    (25 reviews)

    We had a truly beautiful experience with Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Funeral Home, and Reception…read moreCenter during one of the most difficult times in our lives. From the very beginning, their team was patient, compassionate, and never made us feel rushed or pressured. After a previous experience with another funeral home where everything felt urgent, this was completely different. The atmosphere here was serene, welcoming, and allowed us the space to breathe, ask questions, and make decisions with care. We genuinely felt supported every step of the way. Because of this experience, I now feel inspired to plan my own arrangements ahead of time so my family can focus on grieving and being together, rather than navigating logistics during such a painful time. I am deeply grateful for the care they provided. 10/10, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of compassionate and professional funeral services.

    Valley Memorial was wonderfully helpful and kind when my dad passed 9 months ago with his handling,…read morecremation and everything that goes with it.. I would have highly recommend ed and given them 5 stars even then. But now, I'd give them 10 stars if I could. They were amazing as I navigated through last minute, challenging complications with my mom's remains leading up to her burial.... and they didn't even handle her or cremate her when she passed (an East Bay mortuary did). They truly went above and beyond even coming to pick up my moms remains at my home and finding a way to ensure it would arrive safely close to her burial site since I could not take her on a plane with her urn. They were kind, compassionate, professional, thorough, and go above and beyond at a time when it's really needed. Thank you Eugene, in particular!

    Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary

    Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary

    4.2
    (18 reviews)

    I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by the lack of empathy and professional flexibility shown…read moreby the staff at Pleasant Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary. We are currently navigating the devastating loss of my close relative, who passed away while under the 'care' of her 'husband.' Despite the fact that the biological family--not the 'husband'--has fully funded the burial and the headstone, the administration is stubbornly siding with his demand to include his name on the monument. Without a head stone it has been very difficult for mourning family to even identify where she is buried. They have refused all attempts at compromise. The cemetery personnel have remained completely intransigent, ignoring the family's wishes and the specific circumstances of this tragedy. Rather than being a place of peace and healing, their rigid adherence to "standard protocol" over common sense and financial responsibility has added unnecessary trauma to an already heartbreaking situation. If you are looking for a facility that values the input of the grieving family members who are actually responsible for the arrangements, look elsewhere.

    My family laid my Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather to rest here, so when my Grandmother…read morepassed this where she wanted to be. First of all, it is a BEAUTIFUL location, so peaceful. My Grandmother's service was last year and the woman we worked with was great. Since her service I have visited monthly and always bring a bouquet of silk flowers for my visit with her. The first handful of months when I would visit, the flowers I had brought her were still present in their small terracotta pot that I arranged them in (with the green styrofoam in the bottom of the pot--as one would do to secure the flowers from flying away or falling). As the months went by, and I went to visit, the flowers from the previous visit would be removed, which bothered me a bit but I didn't think too much into it, as there were many rainy days. This past month I visited once again and her flowers were once again removed, but this time, the terracotta pot was left behind. The flowers removed and styrofoam removed, which had to take some effort because I am sure to jam it down into the bottom of the pot. Not only was the empty pot just sitting there, but there was TRASH IN IT next to my Grandmother's plot. Needless to say, that was the point of me being officially upset. I went to the office and waited for someone to come out so I could speak to them and figure out what the deal was with maintenance, thinking maybe they have a system in place where they dispose of flowers after a certain amount of time. A woman did eventually come out, not the sweet lady that helped with my Grandmother's service, but another woman who I wish I had got her name, but I didn't. Either way, I explained the situation and concerns, and asked if there was a schedule for disposing flowers so I could adjust my visits accordingly to be sure my Grandmother has flowers rather than nothing or an empty pot with trash in it. The woman informed me that they actually don't allow "decorations" and any "decorations" are disposed of whenever the landscapers come across them. I was taken back and had to clarify, that she did in fact mean that flowers were considered "decorations" and that they were not allowed, to which she said "yes, that is correct". I looked on their website and see nothing about this but conveniently see a whole section about sending flowers. I find this very off putting and in poor taste. Especially given that throughout the property there are many trees with ornaments in them in honor of peoples loved ones who have passed, and flowers all over the property. I hope that the owner or director can provide information about this on their website, as I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys visiting their loved ones and bringing flowers. I am going back next week and I am hoping that if my Grandmother's flowers were once again disposed of that they did not leave an empty pot next to her plot to become a trash can. I will not be as kind and understanding if that is the case.

    SF Bay Adventures

    SF Bay Adventures

    4.7
    (97 reviews)

    We enjoyed our second sail on The Schooner Freda B out of Sausalito tonight. It was a perfectly…read morewonderful sunset sail on SF Bay. Previously, we took the Freda B on the Wildlife Morning Sail in 2024, which was also fantastic. What makes the Freda B special is the crew. The vessel itself is gorgeous--even the "head" is great! From the moment you board and are greeted by the crew, you know you're in good hands. The safety instructions are thorough, and the crew immediately puts you at ease before setting off. Whether you have a clear night or a little fog (like tonight), the skies are beautiful, the Golden Gate Bridge is magical, and San Francisco twinkles in the distance. The crew meets your every need with kindness, excellent service, and genuine interest in you as a passenger. They're also an interesting bunch--just ask them about themselves! Hot (chocolate!) and cold beverages are available for purchase, including adult beverages. For out of towners...Wear and bring layers. Jacket + sweater/fleece, long pants, beanie hat, gloves if you have them. Blankets available onboard. This is SF Bay 12 months a year - always chilly and the sail is worth every layer of clothing. We celebrated my birthday tonight, and it was perfect. Thank you!

    The Freda B and its crew took our dream of a wedding on a sailboat and made it into a reality. The…read morecaptain was prepared, thoughtful, and ready to help us with all of our needs. The crew was all smiles, good cheer, and skillful work. They carefully crafted an amazing experience, allowing us to get married with the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay as our backdrop. We could not have asked for a more magical wedding.

    Marin Memorial Services - boatcharters - Updated June 2026

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