You may never have considered a burial at sea as a final resting place for you or a loved one, but it is growing in popularity. Many people express their wish to be with the ocean after their passing, and this option allows you to memorialize your loved one with a memorial reef.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate has increased to 61.9% for 2024. As cremations are on the rise, you may wish to consider utilizing the ashes to become a memorial reef to create a habitat for fish and other marine life.
If you are looking for a plan for you and your loved ones, call our expert agents at (866) 786-0725, Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. E.T. Get started now with our free quoting tool.
History of Burial At Sea
Burials at sea are a long-standing tradition with roots in many different cultures. In ancient Greece, it was believed that the sea god Poseidon controlled the water and would help guide the souls to the afterlife.
In Viking culture, it was very important to honor warriors who lost their lives in battle. Viking society valued bravery, loyalty, and honor in their warriors, and losing your life in battle was considered one of the most respectable ways to pass.
Warriors who lost their lives were buried at sea in the belief that they would be transported to Valhalla, a hall ruled by the god Odin. A Viking funeral would consist of loading the dead, along with their weapons and personal belongings, into a wooden ship. The ship would be set ablaze after being transported out to sea because it was widely believed that destroying the ship would release the souls of those who had passed and allow them passage to Valhalla.
Burial At Sea in A Memorial Reef
In recent years, many have begun exploring unique and environmentally conscious burial alternatives. Green burial options have become increasingly popular, specifically tree pod burials have seen a spike in popularity.
Many let their loved ones know that their final wish is for their ashes to be scattered across the ocean. The memorial reef burial at sea option not only allows you or your loved one to be with the ocean after passing away, but the location is permanent. Your family will be provided with GPS coordinates so that you can visit whenever you please.
Memorial reefs are artificial reefs that are placed on the ocean floor. They are created by mixing the cremated remains with concrete and fitting them into a mold or sealed in a specifically designed, waterproof concrete container in a shape that mimics a natural reef formation. You also can personalize the container however you choose.
This option is not only growing in popularity, but it is also more affordable than a traditional funeral and is a solution that benefits the environment. Choosing a burial at sea through a memorial reef will not only let you give back to the earth in a lasting way, but it also provides a habitat for marine life and allows you to leave a lasting legacy.
How Do Memorial Reef Burials Work?
Eternal reef burials create an artificial coral reef on the seafloor for marine life. They are made by mixing cremated remains with special concrete, molding them into a reef-like structure, and placing them on the ocean floor.
You can also opt to have the remains shaped into different types of marine life. The reef-like structure or animal shape you choose is cemented into a hollow structure that is several hundred to several thousand pounds so that the location will remain permanent. Once the memorial reef is placed at the bottom of the ocean, your loved ones are provided with the GPS coordinates so they can visit you anytime.
How Much Does A Memorial Reef Burial Cost?
The cost of a memorial reef burial will differ depending on the company and package you select. The initial cost you pay will be for the cremation and the reef memorial creation is an additional cost.
A direct cremation without a service or viewing costs between $2,000 and $5,000. If you would like to have a cremation with a service and a viewing before the memorial reef is created, the cost will range from $4,000 to $7,000.
Does Life Insurance Cover A Burial At Sea?
Yes, your life insurance can cover a burial at sea. After you pass away, your beneficiary will receive the death benefit payout, which can be used to pay for your funeral, cremation, and burial at sea.
The cost will vary depending on whether or not you would like a full-service funeral in addition to the cremation and burial at sea. To be part of a memorial reef you must be cremated for the ashes to be used to create the artificial reef.
Interested in finding a final expense plan to cover the cost of your burial at sea? Call our talented agents at (866) 786-0725, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Our agents can help set you up with a plan that works for you and your loved ones to cover your final wishes.
Eternal Reefs
Eternal Reefs is a coral reef cremation company that creates permanent environmental tributes to life with their environmentally safe cast concrete reef balls. They offer a variety of sizes that can accommodate up to four sets of remains. All Eternal Reef packages include a bronze plaque with an inscription. They offer a variety of options including:
Aquarius Eternal Reef
- The Aquarius Eternal Reef is 500-700 lbs. and is designed to accommodate the remains of one person and a family pet. This option costs $3,995.
Nautilus Eternal Reef
- The Nautilus Eternal Reef is 1500-1800 lbs. and can accommodate up to two sets of remains. This option costs $4,995.
Mariner Eternal Reef
- The Mariner Eternal Reef is the largest reef available at 3800-4000 lbs. and it can accommodate up to four sets of remains. This option costs $7,995.
Memorial Reefs International
Memorial Reefs International creates concrete structures with the cremated remains placed inside. The Memorial Reef has been designed to support and restore marine life for centuries. All memorials will include a bronze marker with a custom-engraved personal message or epitaph. The company offers the Memorial Reefs in two different sizes:
- Poseidon Memorial Reef
- The Poseidon Memorial Reef is 750 lbs. and is designed to accommodate the remains of one person. This option costs $2,999
- Atlantis Memorial Reef
- The Atlantis Memorial Reef is 2000 lbs. and is designed to accommodate the remains of two people. This option costs $3,999.
Neptune Memorial Reef
Neptune Memorial Reef is the largest man-made reef on earth, sprawling 16 acres of the ocean floor and provides a final resting place for more than 250,000 individuals. Neptune Memorial Reef offers a variety of packages, all come complete with a custom copper plaque. There are a variety of packages available including:
- Scatter At Sea Package
- A dive team scatters the ashes above the reef and installs a custom-engraved copper plaque that is affixed to the reef in an everlasting tribute
- This package ranges from $1,495 to $3,495
- Standard Package
- The cremated remains are mixed with cement and water and then molded and secured within the selected structure. It is completed with a customized copper plaque
- This package costs $9,995
- Exclusive Package
- You can choose from a capital top or a crown placement, both of which are large sculptures that are placed on top of a column.
- The price will vary depending on which option or structure you choose:
- Road Capital Top costs $37,495
- Radius Capital Top costs $59,995
- Dolphin Crown Placement costs $37,495
- Mermaid Crown Placement costs $37,495
There are a variety of other options available on their website, but these are just a few of the more popular options.
Are Artificial Reef Memorials Eco-Friendly?
Artificial reefs create habitats for fish, algae, coral, and other plant life. Unfortunately, about half of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed due to climate change, pollution, harmful fishing practices, and coastal development. A memorial reef helps restore the coral reef and provides a home for marine life.
Cremating remains releases heavy metals, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. It is estimated that each cremation releases around 534 pounds of carbon dioxide, which is comparable to the emissions generated from two full tanks of gas in the average car. Additionally, companies who create artificial reefs use cement which weighs several hundred to several thousand pounds. According to Audubon, cement plants are responsible for 2.4% of the planet’s CO2 emissions.
A burial at sea through the creation of a memorial reef generates carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. However, this option causes less harm to the environment than other burial options. A traditional burial includes the use of toxic embalming and non-biodegradable caskets, which are harmful to the environment. They also use many resources for casket production and occupy large amounts of land for cemeteries, which disrupts natural habitats. While an artificial reef memorial is not a completely green burial, it helps the environment and gives back to the earth in a unique way.
Pros and Cons of Burial At Sea
Pros
- It may have been a final wish of the deceased to be with the ocean
A burial at sea allows your loved one to be with the ocean, but also allows you to visit whenever you choose.
- A burial at sea may be cheaper than a traditional funeral depending on the option you choose
There are many packages available that range in cost, with many being less expensive than a traditional funeral.
- More environmentally-friendly than a traditional burial in the ground
While cremations contribute to the release of emissions into the atmosphere, a burial at sea is typically less harmful than a traditional funeral. A burial at sea through a memorial reef helps to offset negative impacts of cremation by contributing to marine life.
Cons
- It is more difficult to visit your loved one’s resting place
While you are given GPS coordinates to your loved one’s memorial reef, it is not be as easy to visit as a traditional grave would be.
- Not completely environmentally-friendly
In order to be part of a memorial reef, the body must be cremated before the ashes are mixed into the structure. Cremations release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Conclusion
A burial at sea through the creation of a memorial reef may be the perfect sendoff for a loved one who loves the ocean. It is a unique burial option and leaves a lasting impact on marine life. This is a perfect option for those who love the ocean, naval officers or marines, or anyone who wants to give back to the environment after they are gone.
Our agents are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at (866) 786-0725. Our free online quoting tool is available 24/7 for you to receive a free estimate at your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Life Insurance Cover A Burial At Sea?
Yes, your life insurance can cover a burial at sea. After you pass away, your beneficiary will receive the death benefit, which can be used to pay for your funeral or cremation, plus the cost of the burial at sea.
Do You Need To Be Cremated To Have A Memorial Reef?
Yes, you need to be cremated to be part of a memorial reef. Once you have been cremated, the company of your choice will turn your ashes into a coral reef memorial. Once you have selected the company and the location, the company will place the memorial reef.
Can You Be Placed In The Memorial Reef With A Loved One?
Yes, there are options that allow you to be placed inside the memorial reef with a loved one, or multiple family members. You can even be laid to rest with a beloved pet.
