You may never have considered a burial at sea as a final resting place for you or your loved one, but it is becoming more popular. Many people express their wish to be with the ocean after their passing, and this option allows you to memorialize your loved one in a way that honors them.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate increased to 61.9% for 2024. As cremations are on the rise, you may wish to consider using the ashes for a memorial reef or scattering them in the sea. But how much will this cost you, and how can you avoid paying too much? We’ve got you covered with the necessary information you need.
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. to 5 p.m. ET. Get started now with our free quoting tool.
History of Burial At Sea
A burial at sea has long-standing traditions rooted in many cultures. In ancient Greece, it was believed that the sea god, Poseidon, controlled the ocean and guided souls to the afterlife. Vikings often buried their warriors at sea, as they believed they would be transported to Valhalla.
They would clothe the body in cloth, along with their weapons and personal belongings, on a wooden ship that would be set ablaze after being pushed out to sea. It was believed that destroying the ship would release the souls of those who passed and allow them safe passage to Valhalla.
What Are the Types of Burials at Sea?
Today, our burial at sea methods aren’t as spectacular, but if you or a loved one loved the ocean or water-based activities, a burial at sea would be a great way to memorialize their life. There are various ways you can perform a sea burial, including the purchase of a memorial reef, spreading cremated ashes in the ocean, and whole-body burials.
Memorial Reef
If your loved one wishes to be scattered on the ocean floor, but you want a physical place to visit, a memorial reef is a good compromise. This burial at sea option allows cremated ashes to be mixed with concrete and poured into a mold that mimics a natural reef formation.
These memorials are then placed on the ocean floor, and each comes with its own GPS coordinates so loved ones can visit as they please. Not only can these formations be personalized, but they are also typically cheaper than traditional funerals and more eco-friendly.
Here are a few of the companies offering memorial reef options and their general prices:
- Eternal Reefs: $3,995 to $7,995
- Memorial Reefs International: $2,999 to $3,999
- Neptune Memorial Reef: $1,495 to $9,995
Each company’s options depend on the structure’s size, where you’d like it placed, and any amenities you want to add. Contact each company for their pricing charts. The FTC Funeral Rule allows you to request pricing details before you make any purchases.
Spreading Ashes at Sea
Scattering ashes at sea is a popular way of memorializing your loved ones. All you have to do is pay for a direct cremation, which hovers around $2,202, and you can spread the ashes at your convenience. However, there are some rules you need to follow when spreading the ashes.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a burial at sea with cremated remains must be three nautical miles from land and reported to the EPA within 30 days of the event.
Whole-Body Burial at Sea
A whole-body burial at sea requires your body to be placed in a special casket that will sink rapidly to the bottom of the ocean with no ability to float. Prices for these caskets can cost up to $2,500 (not including any additional fees), and bodies must also be deposited in ocean waters that are at least 600 feet deep.
For exact details on the casket restrictions and recommendations, check the EPA’s guidelines for having a safe and environmentally friendly burial at sea.
Does Life Insurance Cover a Burial at Sea?
Yes, 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 mixed with the concrete.
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 find a plan that works for you and your loved ones to cover your final wishes.
Is a Burial at Sea Eco-Friendly?
Depending on the burial type, it could be eco-friendly, depending on the method you choose.
Artificial memorial reefs can create habitats for fish, algae, coral, and other plant life, helping restore marine life damaged by climate change, pollution, harmful fishing practices, and coastal development. However, they do require cremated ashes before creating the memorial reef.
Cremating remains releases heavy metals, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxides into the atmosphere. It’s estimated that each cremation releases about 534 pounds of carbon dioxide, comparable to the emissions from two full tanks of gas in the average car. Additionally, artificial reef companies use cement, which weighs several hundred to several thousand pounds. According to Audubon, cement plants are responsible for 2.4% of the planet’s carbon dioxide emissions.
A burial at sea, by creating a memorial reef, generates carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. However, this option causes less environmental harm 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 in casket production and occupy large areas of land for cemeteries, which disrupt 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, ranging in cost, with many 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.
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 as easy to visit as a traditional grave would be. - Not completely environmentally friendly
To be a part of a memorial reef or a scattering at sea, the body must be cremated beforehand. Cremations release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
Conclusion
A burial at sea through a memorial reef or scattering at sea might be the perfect sendoff for a loved one who loves the ocean or someone who worked as a naval officer or marine. A memorial reef is also a great option for those who are looking to give back to the environment when they are gone.
If you are interested in a burial at sea, but aren’t sure if you can afford one, our agents are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET every weekday at (866) 786-0725 to discuss your options. Our free online quoting tool is also 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, some options 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.