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Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Saying goodbye to someone you love can be one of the hardest moments in life, and choosing the right way to honour their memory can feel like a heavy decision. Maybe they loved the sea…the smell of the salt air, the sound of the waves, and the feeling of total freedom that comes with standing at the water’s edge. Perhaps the sea was where they found peace, or maybe it was where you made some of your best memories together. Now, as you face what can be the difficult task of arranging a funeral and figuring out what to do next, scattering their ashes in the water may feel like the right way to celebrate them.
We know this isn’t just about following a tradition or ticking a box. You want to get this right; to make it meaningful, respectful, and, if necessary, legally compliant. Whether you picture a quiet moment on a favourite beach or a small ceremony out at sea, this guide will help you understand the rules, find the ideal location, and plan a farewell that truly reflects the person you’re remembering.
Key takeaways:
It’s a natural question to have, especially if you’ve never had to arrange an ash scattering ceremony before. While scattering ashes at sea is a common and personal tribute, you might wonder whether it’s actually allowed, if there are any rules to follow, or if you need permission. With so many environmental and legal considerations, it makes sense to do a little research before making any plans.
The good news is that in many places, you don’t need special permission to scatter ashes in the sea. In the UK, for example, you’re allowed to do so as long as you follow some environmental guidelines. However, it’s always a good idea to check local regulations, especially if you’re near protected coastal areas or planning a ceremony in another country.
It should also be noted that if you’re using a chartered boat service, they may have their own rules to follow, and some areas may even require you to notify local authorities or obtain a permit.
Laws can vary depending on location. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
If in doubt, speaking to local authorities or a funeral director can help you understand the specific requirements in your area.
Deciding on how to scatter ashes is an important step, and one that many families feel is a symbolic gesture of respect and love. If your loved one has not left specific instructions in a prepaid funeral plan or advance care plan regarding where and how to scatter, consider these options:
Scattering them directly from a beach is a peaceful and accessible option. However, you may consider:
Casting
Some families choose to wade into shallow water to release the ashes, letting the tide carry them away.
Trenching
Others choose a method called ‘trenching’, which involves digging a shallow, narrow trench where the ashes are placed and then covered with sand. Over time, the ashes are naturally washed away by the water.
Floating biodegradable urns
Specially designed urns that float briefly before dissolving are popular, as they allow the ashes to sink naturally and peacefully. These are eco-friendly and ideal for a gentle farewell.
Ringing or flower petal scattering
This method is done by forming a circle or shape with ashes on the water’s surface and adding flower petals, creating a visual tribute before the ashes disperse.
For those who want a more private experience further out at sea, hiring a boat can be a thoughtful option. Many companies offer memorial charter services, providing a dedicated space for families to say their goodbyes.
Things to think about when choosing a boat service:
Aerial scattering involves releasing ashes from a small aircraft or drone over open water, allowing them to drift down naturally into the sea. This method can be a powerful tribute, symbolising freedom and a final journey over the vast ocean.
How it works:
Small planes: A pilot releases the ashes from a designated altitude over the sea. This is usually done through a specialised chute to ensure proper dispersion.
Drones: Some professional services offer drone-based scattering, where a drone carries a biodegradable container and releases the ashes in a controlled manner.
Things to consider:
Cremation ashes are the remains of a person’s body after the cremation process has been completed, and although the exact origins are unclear, the history of cremation includes long-standing traditions of scattering or burying ashes at sea, with examples found across various cultures, including the Viking era and beyond. While scattering ashes at sea has been done for a long time, you may still wonder, ‘what happens to ashes in water?’
Cremated remains don’t fully dissolve like salt, but they do break down over time. The finer particles disperse with the currents, while any heavier fragments settle on the seabed.
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact, it’s worth choosing a biodegradable urn or scattering the ashes in a way that minimises disruption to marine life.
A biodegradable urn can make the process smoother, as it allows the ashes to sink naturally and dissolve over time. Some popular options include:
An ash scattering ceremony offers a meaningful way to honour and remember a loved one in a personal and unique way. With a growing preference for personalised farewells, more people are choosing alternative funeral options like direct cremation, allowing them to create a tribute that truly reflects the person they are celebrating.
A scattering ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some families choose to:
If your loved one followed a particular spiritual or religious tradition, you might want to incorporate special rituals into the ceremony.
The sea can be unpredictable, so it’s best to check the weather forecast or beach webcams before planning a scattering. Things to think about:
If you do choose to scatter the ashes, you don’t have to scatter them all at once. Many people choose to scatter a portion at sea while keeping some back for a keepsake, jewellery, or another special tribute later on. Here are a few additional cremation ashes ideas:
Burial or internment of ashes: involves placing them in a grave, natural burial site, or biodegradable urn with a tree sapling to create a living memorial. Some families even choose to have the ashes embedded into a memorial reef for a unique underwater memorial. Beyond cemeteries, many football clubs and organisations now offer memorial gardens for supporters. While ashes can also be buried in a cemetery or churchyard, this may come with additional costs for a grave plot and headstone.
Turning ashes into keepsakes: you can transform them into meaningful keepsakes like jewellery, paperweights, or artwork, allowing you to keep a part of your loved one close. Many companies now offer services to incorporate ashes into rings, necklaces, or earrings, with gemstones partially made from the ashes. Another growing trend is putting cremation ashes into tattoos, where ashes are infused into tattoo ink and used to create a lasting tribute.
Fireworks and space launches
For a bold and memorable send-off, ashes can be placed inside fireworks, creating a colourful display. Many find this vibrant goodbye a beautiful way to celebrate life, including Aura’s founder, Paul Jameson, who has chosen this for his own ashes when the time comes. Another dramatic exit some companies offer is stratospheric ash scattering, where a personalised canister is carried to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere by a hydrogen balloon before releasing the ashes, allowing them to drift back to Earth over time.
Scattering ashes at sea can be a beautiful and meaningful way to say goodbye, especially after a direct cremation. A direct cremation is a simple, straightforward attended cremation or unattended cremation service without the constraints and complexities of a traditional funeral. With a direct cremation, families have the freedom to plan a personal and heartfelt ceremony, memorial, or celebration of life in a setting that feels right.
Our dedicated team of professional funeral arrangers, the Aura Angels, are here to support you with warmth and compassion, guiding you through every step of planning a meaningful goodbye. Whether you need advice, reassurance, or help arranging a service, they’re always ready to listen and assist.
Whether it’s a quiet moment on the shore, a gathering on a boat, or the gentle release of a biodegradable urn into the waves, the sea offers a peaceful, timeless farewell. For those who loved the ocean, travel, or simply the idea of returning to nature, this kind of memorial can feel deeply symbolic, allowing their memory to drift on with the tides.
Our free guide to arranging a direct cremation gives you a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s involved, helping you to understand the process and explore whether it’s the right choice for you or your loved ones.
Whether you are thinking ahead for someone on end-of-life care or arranging a funeral now for someone who has passed, we hope this guide can help.
In this guide, you will find: