NAIAD sea scatterings: A beautiful and meaningful way to honor loved ones

The location you choose to scatter your loved one’s ashes can reflect their unique personality. You can pay a very special tribute to your loved one by scattering their ashes at sea. The Neptune Society has been offering personalized memorials at sea since 1977. Their 56-foot yacht, the NAIAD, named for the ancient Greek mythological nymphs who lived in and gave life to the water, provides the perfect location for a final maritime sendoff.

Scattering ashes at sea

Burial at sea is an age-old custom that honors a love of the water and nature. Charter boats for scattering ashes are permissible by federal law, as long as specific conditions are followed. According to Noel Hanna, Services Manager at Neptune Society’s Belmont location, “it is different anywhere you go. California does require a permit to scatter ashes 500 yards off the coast.”

Locations

There are a variety of locations where you can choose to scatter your loved one’s ashes at sea. If your loved one felt connected to a certain place, their ashes may be scattered there. Hanna notes that “the San Francisco Giants play near McCovey Cove, and sometimes families want to scatter near there because their loved one was a big Giants fan.”

  • Kirby Cove, San Francisco Bay
  • South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point
  • Horseshoe Cove, San Francisco Bay
  • Yellow Bluff, San Francisco Bay
  • Angel Island, San Francisco Bay (East, West and South)
  • Near McCovey Cove, San Francisco Bay
  • Near San Francisco Ferry Building

How it works

If your loved one wished to have their ashes scattered at sea, the staff at the Neptune Society can guide you through the process. First, you’ll choose your date and package. The NAIAD is available for sea scattering services between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The three designated time slots for sea scattering services are 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Sailings can be scheduled Wednesdays-Sundays.

“We have packages that include both sea scattering with or without family present,” Hanna said. Not everyone is eager to brave the sea. Hanna continues: “If they think they will get seasick, they do not have to come aboard the boat with us. We do a simple service and we scatter very respectfully.”

Stephanie Sandoval, captain of the NAIAD, describes what to expect: “Typically, you’ll receive a call from the services director that week to go over the logistics beforehand.”

When you choose to participate in the experience, you’ll board the NAIAD for a one-hour trip. “As you come on board, we give you your safety brief and then we take the 20-minute ride out to whatever location you request,” Sandoval said. “We have two crew typically down on the deck. We’ve got a service director and another boat crew or deckhand. We’re required by the Coast Guard to have a certain amount of crew members on board in case of an emergency. You will not be alone during the process. We're there to help facilitate each step.”

Ceremony

The ceremony can be exactly how you prefer.

“We have flowers that we provide to the families when they come aboard, and we have a sound system for music," Hanna said. "We also have flat-screen TVs that can play video or a slide show if the family wants. It is meant to be very simple — not to replace a memorial, but it’s more like a graveside service. Very simple, but very beautiful.”

“It’s a time for the family to do as they please," Sandoval said. "Some families enjoy each other’s company. Some people like to reflect in silence. Some people will show videos or play music or have a ceremony inside the cabin while we’re on our way out. Some people have a song that they want to sing, or they might say prayers. I think we all deal with grief differently. When they’re ready to scatter the ashes, we direct them in the proper direction based on wind and current.”

No matter what you choose, you will be fully supported by our staff, highly experienced and aware of your needs. The staff are both trained in maritime practices, and also have empathy and compassion for those who board the NAIAD. “We’ve made a connection in their minds and maybe even in their hearts,” said Sandoval.

Safety

Not only will your loved one be honored in a special way, but “safety is our number one priority,” Sandoval emphasizes. She further clarifies the process: “Boarding starts at the ramp on the main Pier 39 dock, and when you come down the ramp, there’s always a captain and crew standing at the vessel to assist you.”

When it comes to sea conditions, Sandoval explains how they stay safe in the water. “We normally don’t even cross outside of the Golden Gate, because the water gets more choppy, and it’s less enjoyable for the families. We stay where it’s a little bit calmer.”

Cost

The Neptune Society offers a variety of packages and options to meet your budget.

“We have packages that include the family present on the NAIAD,” Hanna said. “There are three different-sized groups that we have. The price is based on how many guests go out in total.”

In addition, there are a number of factors that impact the price of the services, including the facilities used, preparation prior to scattering, staff involved, and ceremony details.

Learn more about the Neptune Society’s unique and meaningful way to honor your loved one’s memory aboard the NAIAD. If you’d like to make arrangements for a sea scattering, contact us at 800-445-3551.