Ash Scattering at Sea: Private Memorial Charter on San Francisco Bay

A private scattering at sea, also called burial at sea

A private memorial boat charter on San Francisco Bay for your family only: up to 6 guests, departing Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman's Wharf, $700 for the whole boat with no per-person charge. You book online, and Captain Molly files the permits.

What the $700 includes

• The whole boat, Miss Molly, for your family, with a heated cabin and a private bathroom
• A U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master captain
• Help with the ceremony and the scattering itself
• The GPS position of the scattering
• The permit filings (see the rules below)

Where we scatter

Inside San Francisco Bay or offshore beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. Captain Molly chooses the site with your family on the day, based on the weather and what you'd like.

The rules, plainly

• In the Bay: California law requires scattering at least 500 yards from the shoreline, not from a bridge or pier, with the remains removed from their container (Health & Safety Code §7117).
• Offshore: the EPA's burial-at-sea permit applies at least 3 nautical miles from land.
• Paperwork: Captain Molly files the state permit and, for offshore scatterings, the report to the EPA. You don't have to file anything.

How the day goes

1. Book online and tell us in the booking notes about the person, your family and any readings, music or flowers you plan.
2. 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.
3. Travel to the scattering site at your family's pace. Captain Molly chooses the spot with you, inside the Bay or offshore, depending on the weather and what you'd like.
4. The ceremony and the scattering. Take the time you need. Captain Molly records the position and files the paperwork afterward.

Flowers, urns, music and readings

Ashes and anything biodegradable may go into the water. Loose flowers and petals are a common choice. You keep the urn. Readings, music, an officiant and religious ceremonies of any faith are welcome aboard.

If you can't be aboard

Captain Molly also scatters ashes on your family's behalf when no one can come, at the same price.

More than 6 guests?

Miss Molly carries up to 6. For larger groups, Captain Molly recommends The Bass Tub (Captain Aaron Anfinson).

Read the full guide to scattering ashes in San Francisco Bay, or see pet ash scattering.