Memorial Service at Sea · Key West
A private ash scattering charter from Key West. Just your family, a USCG-licensed captain, and the quiet stretch of ocean past the reef. We handle the boat, the law, and the small ceremonies that matter. You handle the rest.
We’ve done these for couples losing a parent, for siblings carrying out a long-held wish, for spouses on the anniversary of a passing. Every one is different. Here’s the shape of most.
You arrive at the dock. The captain meets you. The boat is fueled and ready, with whatever you’ve asked us to bring on board — flowers, a printed reading, a bottle to toast with afterward. We shove off quietly.
We run out past the reef, typically twenty to thirty minutes from the dock depending on conditions, until we’re at least three nautical miles offshore — the federal requirement for at-sea scattering. The captain anchors or holds position. There’s no schedule from that point on. You take whatever time you need.
When you’re ready, the captain steps back and gives you the space to do this your way. We can read something if you’ve prepared a passage and asked us to. We can stay silent. We can play a piece of music. We can do nothing at all but hold position while you do what you came to do.
Afterward, the captain records the GPS coordinates of the scattering location and sends them to you. Some families want them. Some don’t. We always have them in case you do, later.
The cruise back is at whatever pace feels right. Some families want to be alone for that. Some want to talk. We follow your lead.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates ash scattering at sea under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Scattering must occur at least three nautical miles offshore, and the EPA must be notified within 30 days. Our captains know the rule, run past the threshold every time, and file the notification on your behalf afterward. You don’t need to do anything administrative.
All Six Fins boats are available for ash scattering — the Jeanneau NC 895 for smaller family groups (up to six guests), the larger partner-network yachts for extended family or service-attended scatterings (up to twelve), or the Tiki pontoon if the wider family wants to gather afterward for a quieter celebration of life on the water.
We log the latitude and longitude of the scattering location and send them to you afterward — discreetly, in writing. Many families return on the anniversary; many don’t. It’s good to have them either way.
A calm-water day matters more for this charter than any other we run. We’re flexible on rescheduling — if the morning’s forecast isn’t right, we’ll move the trip rather than run it in chop.
We don’t run ash scattering on a dedicated “memorial vessel.” We run it on whatever boat fits your family — the Jeanneau for an intimate group, the larger yachts when extended family is involved, the Tiki pontoon for the family that wants to gather afterward. The captain is the constant.
The captain is the constant. Whatever boat we pick for your family, one of our long-time USCG-licensed captains runs the trip. They’ve done this charter before. They handle the EPA threshold, log the GPS coordinates, and step back during the ceremony.
Ash scattering charters are available in two configurations:
Both include the captain, fuel, all required ceremony coordination, GPS coordinates of the scattering location, and EPA notification. Tell us when you call which configuration fits.
For ash scattering at sea, Six Fins runs beyond the required three-nautical-mile threshold before the ceremony. From the Stock Island / Key West marinas, that usually means a 25- to 40-minute cruise depending on the boat, wind, sea state, and route.
The captain handles the route and keeps the trip outside protected reef boundaries where required.
Families do not need to apply for a permit before the ash scattering. The captain and Six Fins handle the required after-the-fact EPA notification within 30 days of the scattering and record the GPS coordinates of the location.
If you have unusual circumstances, ask before booking so Six Fins can confirm the right vessel and procedure.
No. Six Fins does not scatter ashes inside protected reef areas or in shallow water simply because it is closer or calmer. The captain runs the vessel to an appropriate offshore location and handles the ceremony in compliance with the rules.
This is one reason to hire a captain who has done this before. The family should be able to focus on the farewell, not the legal boundary.
Bring the urn or container, flowers if you want them, a written passage, music, a photo, or anything simple you want included in the ceremony.
Biodegradable ocean urns work well. Plastic, synthetic wreaths, or anything that does not readily decompose should not go into the water.
The vessel depends on your family size and tone. The Jeanneau NC 895 is best for intimate groups that want a quiet, comfortable memorial. Partner yachts may fit larger family groups or services with an officiant. The Tiki pontoon may fit families that want to gather on the water afterward.
Six Fins will help match the boat to the family instead of forcing every memorial onto one vessel.
Six Fins offers a 2-hour memorial charter starting at $795 minimum and a 4-hour memorial charter for $1,195. The 2-hour option works for a direct offshore scattering and return. The 4-hour option gives the family more time on station, time to anchor afterward, or a more unhurried farewell.
If you are unsure, choose more time. Families rarely regret not rushing.
Yes. Some families bring children, and some prefer not to. There is no right answer.
If children are coming, let Six Fins know so the captain can plan the boarding, seating, safety briefing, and tone of the trip accordingly.
Yes. You may bring an officiant, clergy member, family speaker, or anyone you want to lead the ceremony. You may also keep it simple and have the family speak privately.
The captain will position the vessel, step back, and give your group the space to conduct the farewell in the way that feels right.
Yes. Six Fins records the GPS coordinates of the scattering location. Those coordinates can be shared with the family after the charter.
Many families appreciate having the exact location for records, reflection, or a future return to the area.
If Six Fins or the captain determines conditions are unsafe, the memorial charter may be rescheduled or refunded according to the applicable booking policy.
The captain will not rush a memorial offshore in unsafe conditions. The point of the charter is a calm, respectful farewell.
There’s no rush. Call when the timing feels right — sometimes that’s two weeks out, sometimes that’s tomorrow morning. We’ll talk through what makes sense, pick the boat that fits, watch the weather, and handle the rest.