We used Sea Star to scatter my husband's ashes at sea last Friday. It was a beautiful experience wonderfully facilitated by Captain Joe. Communication was excellent, with detailed directions and suggestions provided in advance by mail. The process was seamless. Everyone who participated (we had 9 people) was deeply moved. We all felt it was a lovely tribute to an incredible man. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Captain Joe. It was well worth the price. Thank you! read more

Sea Star Burials at Sea - Flowers at sea. - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Oceanside Harbor, California

This experience was definitely an uplifting, memorable, and absolutely beautiful experience! My mother's wishes were to have her ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean off of the coast in Oceanside. I will be honest, I was dreading honoring her wishes as I just couldn't bear the thought of pouring her off of a boat. We were almost 30 mins late, unorganized, short on cash for the payment, and overall I was just a complete mess if you can imagine. Not only were we scattering our mother whom passed away unexpectedlys ashes but we also were scattering the ashes of our little sister whom took her own life just a few weeks after our mother's passing. My brothers and I were uncertain, scared, angry and not looking forward to the burial at sea. We arrived to Oceanside harbor and were greeted by two polite and respectful young men. They were crew members for the Sea Star charter. They explained how things we going to run, we gave them a framed photo of our mother and sister along with some flower leis. They set everything up for us very nicely and brought me down to the boat to meet the captain. Captain Joe was very kind to us. His patience, his compassion and his kindness really made us feel welcome on his ship and better about the situation. Everything was organized, timed perfectly and explained thoroughly. The water was beautiful, the sky was amazing, the music was the perfect volume, and the scattering was emotional but magical! We had a school of dolphins swim and dance right past the boat just before we began to scatter the ashes. It was amazing! My mother and sisters ashes illuminated in the water which created such beauty that we all now feel in our hearts that our mother and sister are truly at peace, together and "ok". I can not express just how grateful I am for Captain Joe, his crew and the service that they provide! This day was the most beautiful day that I have ever had in my life, next to the birth of my children! I am so glad we decided to lay my mother and sister to rest at sea on the Sea Star Charter Boat! By the end of the charter, we all felt such relief and like 30 pounds had been lifted off our chests. This burial at sea, gave us the motivation to keep moving forward with our lives and strength to start to let go of the anger we were carrying. Captain Joes service gave me the ability to start to see some light at the end of the tunnel and helped to begin my healing journey. By the end of our trip, just as the Captain said, we all were finally smiling. I recommend a burial at sea with Sea Star Burial at Sea, to everyone whom loses a loved one. You won't regret it! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you very much, Captain Joe and the crew!! You all are awesome! read more

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Captain Joe and Danny both performed exceptionally well. They were professionals in every manner from start to finish. Captain Joe and Danny made sure everyone performed in unison with the emphasis on safety. With many years of experience, Captain Joe made it clear that the sea is origin of all life and Captain Joe explained the illumination of the ashes when they meet the water, which was truly amazing. It's as if the ashes came to life. Captain Joe made the final goodbye to my mom memorable. Thank Captain Joe and Danny for all meaningful work. read more

My family and I sailed with Capt. Joe on his immaculate boat ,the Sea Star on Sept. 2 to scatter my wifes ashes at sea at one her favorite places off Mooniight Beach in Encinitas. It was a beautiful experience. Capt Joe and his crew were very efficient and caring. After our service, Capt. Joe contributed some very compassionate and comforting comments that all nine of us greatly appreciated and will long remember. I cannot recommend Capt. Joe and his Sea Star highly enough. Simply the best !!!! Bruce S. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars I would! I did not know what to expect since I have never been to a burial at sea but Captain Joe took me through everything step by step to arrange my brother's service to have his ashes scattered at sea. Captain Joe is so companionate and kind and he helped my whole family feel at ease while we went through the ceremony. He also gave me all of the info that I needed to arrange for the Navy to do honors for my brother who was a Navy veteran. It was so beautiful and amazing. My family and I are so very grateful to Captain Joe and his helper Jacob who made the ceremony so special. I would definitely recommend the Sea Star and Captain Joe to everyone, outstanding! read more

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It was well thought out and a beautiful service you can really tell Joe knows what he is doing, and he was right everyone despite the circumstances came off the boat with a smile. Joe and his crew were professional and courteous from the second we got there till we left. Amazing service from everyone involved. I would absolutely recommend them with out a doubt. read more

I highly highly highly cannot stress nor emphasize enough how professional, considerate, understanding, empathetic, compassionate and kind Captain Joe is. My experience with him and his crew aboard the boat was seamless from start to finish. Planning my sister's service was emotional and Captain Joe's process from start to finish (contacting Sea Star Burials, planning, setting the date, payment, details, etc.) ensured my experience wasn't complicated. At first I was hesitant to spread my sister's ashes into the sea, but Captain Joe's uniquely tailored speech addressed to our family combined with his empathy and relatability, relieved my personal reservations about spreading ashes. The boarding experience was welcoming, and our guests were made to feel welcome. Captain Joe took time with immediate family to discuss the protocol and schedule of events on board. This process will vary as it depends on what the family decides to do, and Captain Joe was exceedingly helpful in getting us organized. We had decided that 5 of us would collectively spread my sister's ashes, so Captain Joe had us rehearse the process to ensure safety & to ensure that my sister's ashes would land in the water. In fact, when it was my turn, I was incredibly sea sick and upon my request, Captain Joe helped me to pour my sister's ashes into the sea. With our his help, I would have dropped the vase. (Which Captain Joe had provided, as we had brought my sister in a box and this would have not have worked with 5 people pouring her ashes). His crew had laid out ample sea sickness tablets, Kleenex, and we had the option to bring refreshments on board. The boat was comfortable and accommodated our 20 plus group with ease, plenty of seating. I experienced sea sickness side effects 3X times on the boat and on all occasions the crew was incredibly kind ( I was so embarrassed and mortified for vomiting on the boat but the crew promptly responded to cleaning up my mess). Do not hesitate to reach out and ask Captain Joe questions, he was very amenable and patient in addressing my concerns. The whole experience was beautiful and peaceful and he and his crew did justice to my sister's Casting ceremony and I will be forever grateful to him & the crew for making my sister's service a tranquil and seamless experience. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Captain Joe & Crew Vanessa Boulio read more

Sea Star Burials at Sea - Our ashes turn a beautiful teal color when poured into the ocean. - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Oceanside Harbor, California

100% appreciate Captain Joe and his crew!! This is actually the hardest review I have ever written because Captain Joe and the Sea Star are so far above anything you can expect that I am having a difficult time findings the words that give him justice. Captain Joe did everything he said he would do 100% and exactly on time. My Mom is in a wheelchair and the Sea Star easily accommodates someone in her position. They took into condition everything she would need help with and followed through. He address all the passengers at the beginning of our journey and set the tone of a magical experience we were about to embark upon. He took the time to guide us and share. He knew exactly what to do, how to explain it to us and executed everything flawlessly. I have worked on several charter boats in my younger days and I seriously cannot emphasize enough of the level of integrity Captain Joe has above and beyond anyone I have met skippering a boat. Absolutely I would recommend Captain Joe and the Sea Star! read more

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Caption Joe and Bobbie were so welcoming. We were there on probably one of the hottest Oceanside days ever. This was so much more than I could ever have imagined. Our group of 17 were comfortable and could not have asked for anything more that day. We laid my mom and dad to rest at sea. Thank you Captain Joe for your thoughts and experiences. Very appreciative. -Elena read more

Sea Star Burials at Sea - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Oceanside Harbor, California

From the first phone call to the last handshake , this was truly a beautiful experience. Captain Joe helped me tremendously from how to contact the Navy for military honors for our dad, special flower arrangements for the ceremony and all of the required certificates. He was compassionate with the scattering of the ashes and throughout the whole event. They made this a wonderful celebration of life! Thank you Joe and staff. read more

Capt. Joe was such a professional and helped make the planning of my mother and step-fathers burial at sea easy. You can tell he knows what he's doing and has a caring heart. He gave me some great tips to help facilitate the military honors for my step-dad, let me know what I would need prior to sailing (permits, flower suggestions) and was very accommodating with scheduling. The whole process was so easy. All paperwork arrived in a timely manner and he provided so much useful information to ensure we knew what to expect. Capt Joe and our crew-mate were respectful and really helped to make our day special. Capt Joe helped to move things along in a natural and seamless manner. It was really a wonderful way to lay our loved ones to rest. Very reasonably priced for the wonderful experience. A couple of tips though, we had to report at 10:30 am but our entire party didn't board until much later. So, I would recommend grabbing a small bite to eat before arriving or bringing a little something to snack on. Also, bring some crackers for anyone who may get seasick. The day was beautiful but the water was choppy so we had a lot of rolling. I would recommend any older folks stay seated during the ride. A couple of people in our party didn't take Dramamine beforehand and felt ill about by the time we started to spread the ashes. I normally get seasick but took my pills and felt great. I thought the movement of the boat was exciting and added a little fun to the day. Overall, amazing experience and I would highly recommend! read more

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All the good things that have been posted are absolutely true. I would just add my own experience...... Captain Joe was the best.

Capt. Joe has to be one of the most kind, caring, and detailed businessman I have ever dealt with. He was so thorough, explaining the whole process, took great notes, and was a true pleasure to deal with in this trying moments of life. I highly recommend his services and you will not be disappointed. read more

I can't give enough positive feedback regarding this experience. Captain Joe and his crew go above and beyond to accommodate you and your loved ones during this beautiful trip. I put my mom to rest 8 years ago out at sea with the Sea Star. The words from Captain Joe are some that stuck with me since and some that I share with my family. We just put our grandma to rest last week, the second voyage on Sea Star. On the way to her resting place, I asked the captain if I could throw some flowers in where my mommy was. He was happy to do that and even stopped for some time to let us all visit her. It was beyond special. On the way out of the harbor, there was tons, like 50 or more, dolphins!! He followed them and went off corse a bit so we could see them riding the wake at the front of the boat! My kids and family were all amazed. The crew took our flowers we brought and set them up on the boat. When we got to her resting place, we were able to speak about my Gma and then set her ashes in along with all of the flowers and petals. You can also bring whatever music your loved one enjoyed. What an amazing experience it was both times. The way I want to be laid to rest as well. If you have any doubts about this, just call captain Joe! It's impossible to not like the guy and the whole experience (unless you get sea sick, take some Dramamine the night before!) read more

Captain Joe and his deck hand James as well as the boat were immaculate, thorough, kind, and professional. Captains Joes words were meaningful and heartfelt. read more

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I was very impressed with how the sea burial was handled. Capt Joe was very helpful explaining to everyone how the event will be handled. The water was so blue and calming. The breeze was perfect and the sun hitting our skin felt like a cruise than a burial. The boat was really clean. Just the right size for a small group of 12. Parking took awhile as it was a Sunday. Capt Joe prepared the ashes prior to scattering. He made sure it was transferred to a beautiful container so scattering will be easier to handle. The flowers I ordered were beautiful and so colorful. A little pricey I thought but nevertheless beautiful. Will I do this again? Absolutely! My only negative is that I prepared beautiful songs to be played during scattering but the speakers provided were so muted. I could have used my Bose that I brought with me and it would have sounded better. But overall very impressed with the whole event. Thank you Capt Joe! read more

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I'm sorry I can't give Captain Joe more stars! He really helped make my parents' burial at sea meaningful and gave us some peace. He gave the family time to share stories, time to grieve together, and really put it all in perspective. read more

My family and I went out on the Sea Star today to sprinkle my dad's ashes at sea. Captain Joe and Cane could not have been more sensitive and supportive. Before departing, he gave us an orientation to explain some procedures pertaining to our departure, the path of the boat, safety info and how the service would work. Everything went smoothly and we knew exactly what to expect every step of the way. If you are considering scattering ashes of a loved one at sea, I highly recommend Captain Joe and the Sea Star. read more

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My wife asked that her ashes be sprinkled at sea. I had never participated in a burial at sea before, and had no idea, so resorted to google. There I found Captain Joe and the Sea Star. It was a shot in the dark that scored a. bulls-eye. I can't say enough good things about the service Captain Joe and mate Bobbie provided. These two seaman are very competent and genuinely caring. They keep the Sea Star in immaculate condition. The information sheets the captain sent me told me everything I needed to know. Captain Joe and Bobbie were present and not intrusive on this family occasion. I will treasure, until the day I die, the memory lf the ash scattering ceremony Captain Joe facilitated. And my daughter will use Captain Joe and the Sea Star to scatter my ashes alongside my wife's when I die. And I may charter the Sea Star for a family whale-watching trip! read more

Captain Joe helped to make one of the hardest days in our life both beautiful and memorable. He guided us through the ceremony in such a kind and spiritual way. He promised we would leave with Amalie's on our faces, and, incredibly, we did because he helped us all feel better. Our son is at peace now and we will never forget the moving experience. read more

The burial at sea was so amazing I highly recommend it! This was the most beautiful way to lay to rest our mom after our decision to have her cremated. From my first email to Captain Joe to the day I walked off his boat the journey was seamless. He explains what permits you'll need, how to get to his boat and suggest a florist who I might add did a fantastic job. He is truly a professional captain with empathy of your loss. With his help, our experience was organized and perfect in every way as he was very tenitive to our needs. He serves in love during a very sensitive and difficult time of bereavement that leaves you with a smile as you depart. Thank you captain Joe and your crew!!! read more

We had waited 6 months to bury my dad and the Chinese calender gave us a specific date to take him to sea. Captain Joe was very accommodating to help us get it done. He was very professional and walked us through the process creating a very respectful and heart warming burial. He said we would walk off his boat with a smile and a feeling that we did the right thing....he was spot on. My boys and I left his boat feeling elated by the decision we made and the send off we gave my dad. It was truly a remarkable experience. We never felt rushed and spent just enough time to ward off any motion sickness. Btw: not that it matters much but he was WAY cheaper than any other service I called. read more

Captain Joe is incredibly professional and really made my Dad's burial at sea special for our family. I'm glad we chose Sea Star Burials at Sea and highly recommend this service. read more

On this beautiful Father's Day we sent my father-in-law's ashes back into nature with the most beautiful, touching tribute to a wonderful man off the coast of San Diego County in the sea at Oceanside. There were hundreds of dolphins, and the sun peaked through the clouds as we said goodbye to him. I have never experienced such beauty before and glory as he went to be with his wife in the sea. It was an experience I will never in my life forget. A beautiful day. We can not thank Captain Joe and his crew for the compassion and care he took in helping us with this beautiful day. Thank you thank you thank you! read more

Our family has nothing but good things to say about Captain Joe and our trip out to sea to leave our loved one's remains in their final resting place. Captain Joe was respectful and helpful with instructions about our time at sea. He gave a heartfelt and comforting talk about returning our loved ones to the sea. We all agreed our experience went way beyond our expectations. We can wholeheartedly recommend Captain Joe and Sea Star. read more

No words can express the wonderful service that we had aboard the Sea Star with Capt'n Joe and his deckhands. They were all so very kind and compassionate and made a difficult day a bit easier. I made one call to find a burial at sea company and I searched no further. From the time I spoke to Capt'n Joe, I knew I had found the right man for this very special memory. Although the weather was not what was forecast for that day, you have to just "roll" with the tide so to speak. It was rough but we were able to have a beautiful ceremony honoring our dad/grandpa/friend. This was money well spent for such an amazing afternoon spent with our family in his memory. He was in the USCG for a few years and loved the beach at Carlsbad, he worked, walked and fished there almost every day until his death so this was the best way to lay him to rest. Capt'n Joe also referred us to Seaside Flowers and they were wonderful as well, you tell them what you would like and they deliver them just before we board the boat and they arrange them so beautifully. There were more than enough for all 23 of us to toss in the water after his ashes. I would recommend Capt'n Joe and his crew for the burial at sea services as well as fishing excursions, you won't find a nicer crew! read more

Sea Star Burials at Sea - Capt'n Joe and a picture of the flowers that Seaside Flowers set up for us. - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Oceanside Harbor, California

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What an amazing service to honor my father. Captain Joe was very professional and took great care of us! Is first mate James was also very cordial and helpful. If you were ever planning a burial at sea, these are the people to contact. I highly recommend. read more

Fantastic experience provided by the Captain Joe and the Sea Star crew. Our experience began with military burial honors before heading out for a wonderful celebration of lives. Captain Joe and his crew are professional and he offers wonderful respect to the loved ones and what to expect and all applicable briefings in advance. I can't say enough about this choice to use the Sea Star for our experience. Thank you Captain! read more

Captain Joe and 1st mate Bobby made an emotional day very special. My family said goodbye to my parents and grandparents a couple weekends ago and it was such a wonderful experience. Captain Joe is both professional and passionate about what he does. I highly recommend their services. It was a perfect day at sea read more

Captain Joe Cacciola and crew are outstanding at providing a very dignified and very proffesional Sea burial service. The Sea Star is very clean and in good order also. My experience at attending a Sea burial service for a good friend who loved the sea and was also a fellow fisherman. With Joe officiating service, it was very heartfelt and meaningful. A day I will always cherish and remember. I highly recommend Sea Star burial service for those individuals who might be considering this as an alternative to regular graveside service. Thank You Joe and Crew! read more

I can't express how wonderful our experience on the Sea Star was today. Capt Joe and his crew were amazing from the moment I called until we completed the spreading of our loved ones ashes at sea. It was a perfect experience and Capt Joe was professional, warm, caring and friendly. Thank Capt Joe for helping us say goodby to Kevin. read more

Our family can't thank Captain Joe and crew for their wonderful support of our father's burial at sea. His compassion and dignity were so appreciated by all of us. Captain Joe is a veteran, as was my father, and he suggested that we have Naval honor guard come for presentation of the flag, which added a wonderful touch before we started our journey out to sea. Joe was a pleasure to deal with and very organized! The boat looked beautiful with all of the flowers we had brought on board and Joe's words were wonderful, especially for the young children who were on board. I highly recommend this experience. We even had a pod of dolphins follow us out to sea which was totally unexpected but thrilling to see. read more

My wife loved the water and wanted her aches scattered at sea. San Diego was one of our favorite places so I searched for someone who could help us...and Sea Star was the first thing that came up on Google. I sent an email and received a call back that evening from Captain Joe. He was extremely friendly and helpful on the phone. Promised to mail (not email) me a packet of information which I received a few days later. The information gave me confidence that this person knew what he was doing. In fact he has been doing it for many years. When my family and I arrived he invited me aboard to explain just what we would be doing and then invited the rest of my party to come aboard. The experience was both solemn and cathartic. I experience a release I was not expecting and we all agreed it was the perfect way to say goodby to a wife, a mother and grandmother. I cannot thank Captain Joe enough for the way in which he conducted this experience and I would recommend him without reservation! read more

Captain Joe and crew were so accommodating and thoughtful during the sea burial of my father and uncle. Very kind, compassionate, and add just the right words to make our day very touching and special. Would definitely recommend Sea Star. read more

Captian Joe and his team were amazing and helped to make my mom's burial at sea truly special and spiritual. Captian Joe was compassionate, well spoken and very organized. From start to finish it was an amazing experience; one I know my mom was proud of. Thank you Captian Joe for helping to make this blessed day so special!! read more

Captain Joe and his staff made laying my mother to rest at sea a beautiful and uplifting experience. Thank you to him and all involved for making one of the most tragic times in my life a little easier. I would highly recommend his service to anyone in need. read more

I found Sea Star Burials searching on the Internet, I called and talked to a kind gentleman, ...Captain Joe. From that first conversation on, I knew I had found the right place. Captain Joe was very helpful and very compassionate, especially towards Veterans. He explained his procedures and gave me the contact information to Veterans services in order to have a full military send off. He even recommended a great florist (Seaside Flowers) who did a beautiful job setting up the ship with colorful flowers and arrangements. I am grateful I found him! I highly recommend him and suggest you look no further for your burial needs. read more

Last weekend we fulfilled my mom's wishes to have her ashes scattered out @ sea! We used Sea Star Burial @ Oceanside Harbor, CA. Captain Joe and his crew are amazing! It was the most gorgeous, peaceful, serene & completely beautiful day. It was an experience of a lifetime I will never forget!!! I highly recommend Captain Joe. Please call him and/or checkout his website. Thanks again Captain & Crew for making my mothers memorial so special! read more

Sea Star Burials at Sea - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Oceanside Harbor, California

I can't begin to describe my THANKFULNESS for the incredible job Captain Joe and his crew did with my Mom and Dad's sea burial. Captain Joe was the consummate professional, full of such kindness, compassion and respect. I had many questions about the process which seemed so complicated and overwhelming to me in part because I was travelling from Maryland to California with their cremains. He guided and helped me immeasurably to navigate the process, understand the requirements and plan it so it was exactly what my parents wanted. Captain Joe is a retired Marine Corps Captain and strongly encouraged me to have a Marine Corps Honor Guard Ceremony with the 21 Gun Salute as my Dad was a retired Marine Corps veteran of three wars. We would've missed out on this fabulous tribute which my Dad deserved if not for Captain Joe's encouragement and help. His words onboard were so heartfelt because he is passionate about what he does. Thank you, Captain Joe. I will never forget your kindness and service to my family. I'm so thankful I found you! read more

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I really can't express how grateful I am to Captain Joe and his Deckhand, James. I didn't really have anything specific planned for the burial at sea since we had just come from my Mom's Celebration of Life. But Captain Joe just stepped right in and took the lead so I didn't have to. I can't tell you how much his words about how all of life is connected through the ocean meant to me and my family as we were preparing to release my mom's ashes into the ocean. Captain Joe and James made sure that everything went smoothly and effortlessly so that we could all focus on truly honoring my mom's life. Captain Joe, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly a blessing! read more