Scattering ashes in San Francisco Bay is legal with a permit. Inside the Bay, California law requires the scattering to be at least 500 yards from shore. Offshore, the EPA’s burial-at-sea permit applies at least 3 nautical miles from land. A private memorial charter with Molly’s Boats is $700 for the whole boat and up to 6 guests. It leaves from Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman’s Wharf, and Captain Molly files the paperwork.
Burial at sea or scattering ashes? The words
People use both. “Burial at sea” is the older phrase and the one the EPA uses for its permit. “Scattering ashes at sea” or “ash scattering” describes what actually happens when cremated remains are released on the water. On San Francisco Bay they mean the same trip.
How much does it cost to scatter ashes at sea?
| Service | Price | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Private memorial at sea | $700 | The whole boat for your family, up to 6 guests, with Captain Molly |
| Scattering on your behalf | $700 | Captain Molly scatters the ashes when no one can come aboard |
| Pet memorial at sea | $700 | A private memorial for a pet, up to 6 guests; living pets welcome |
| Extra time on the Bay | $350 an hour | Added to any memorial |
There is no per-person charge. The boat is yours. For groups larger than 6, Captain Molly recommends The Bass Tub (Captain Aaron Anfinson).
California rules, plainly
Is it legal to scatter ashes in San Francisco Bay?
Yes. California’s Health and Safety Code §7117 allows scattering at sea, which includes the Bay and other inland navigable waters, as long as it happens at least 500 yards from the shoreline and not from a bridge or pier. The remains must be removed from their container first.
What about the ocean beyond the Golden Gate?
In the open ocean the EPA’s general permit applies: at least 3 nautical miles from land, with the EPA notified within 30 days. The EPA permit covers human remains only.
Who files the permit?
Captain Molly does. She files the state permit and, for offshore scatterings, the report to the EPA. Your family doesn’t have to file anything.
Can I scatter ashes from the beach or the Golden Gate Bridge?
Not in the Bay. §7117 requires at least 500 yards from shore and rules out bridges and piers, so in practice the scattering is done from a boat.
Sources: California Health & Safety Code §7117; EPA: burial at sea.
What happens on the day
- Book online and use the booking notes to tell us about the person you’re honoring, your family, and any readings, music or flowers.
- Meet at Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman’s Wharf. When you arrive, text Captain Molly from the bench; please don’t walk down to the boat on your own.
- Head out to the site. Captain Molly chooses it with you, inside the Bay or offshore, depending on the weather and what you’d like. The cabin is heated and there is a private bathroom aboard.
- The ceremony and the scattering. The pace is yours. Afterward Captain Molly records the position and files the paperwork.
Ceremony ideas and words
There’s no script. Some families share a memory or read a poem. Others stand together quietly for a while, or release loose flowers one at a time. Readings, music, an officiant and religious ceremonies of any faith are welcome aboard.
Urns and flowers
The ashes are removed from the urn for the scattering, and you keep the urn. Anything biodegradable may go into the water with them. Most families bring loose flowers or petals.
Pets
Families also come to honor a pet, and living pets are welcome aboard. If you’d like to honor a person and a pet on the same trip, tell us in the booking notes. The EPA’s permit covers human remains only, so the pet memorial is its own part of the day. See pet ash scattering at sea.
Book a memorial
Book a private memorial at sea online, or book a pet memorial. Questions first? Use the Ask Molly button on either page and she replies in writing within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to have ashes scattered at sea?
$700 for the whole boat and captain, for up to 6 guests, or $700 for Captain Molly to scatter the ashes on your behalf.
How far from shore do you have to be?
At least 500 yards from shore inside the Bay, and at least 3 nautical miles from land for an ocean scattering under the EPA permit.
What if the weather is bad?
Captain Molly makes the call for safety. If she cancels for weather you get a full refund or a new date. You can also cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the trip.
