easy
2–3 hours
No special fitness required; suitable for guests of most physical abilities.
Experience a private ashes scattering ceremony at sea near Lake Park, Florida, with Sandhill Charters. Find peace on the water and honor loved ones in a serene and respectful setting.
•Attended Scattering From $549 •Unattended Scattering From $349
Experience a heartfelt ocean ash scattering ceremony aboard a private vessel, where families can honor their loved ones in a serene setting. Choose between attended or unattended services, with options for personalized memorials, digital certificates, and photographs. This unique tribute allows for a meaningful farewell amidst the beauty of the sea.
This section contains important information regarding descriptions, service types, prices and more, please read carefully.
*Before you book, you must fill out the Authorization Form found at www.sandhillcharters.com/authorization-form (Copy and paste the web link into a new browser to complete prior to booking online.)
For all attended services Due to Federal Regulation, our commercial passenger vessel may accommodate up to 6 total passengers. No exceptions can be made. For groups larger than 6, please call us directly for alternative solutions.
Up to 90 minutes (Attended Basic) or up to 2.5 hours (Attended Premium)
What is included?
What is included?
With both sunrise and sunset trips available or a time the family decides, the Bonnie Lee will depart the marina and head out, dependent on conditions, the Lake Worth Inlet and head offshore approximately 3 nautical miles, into the Gulf Stream where the ashes of your loved one will be scattered and carried into the oceans of the world. If conditions for offshore travel are not safe, we will remain in the Intracoastal Waters near the Inlet. Once in position, the Captain will note the GPS coordinates, water depth and time, then will proceed to deliver a Captain's Epitaph and committal to sea prior to the release. Family is then given time to say a few words, scatter their loved ones cremains, release fresh flowers and capture photographs before making one final pass around the scattering location and heading back to shore.
We allow the family full autonomy in how they want the ceremony conducted and is 100% private. All information pertaining to such will be gathered and discussed before the trip, so on the day of, all you need to do is show up to the dock.
Boat holds up to 6 guests. You may bring your minister as part of your group of 6, your own drinks, snacks, toasting supplies, biodegradable flowers, message written on stone or paper notes. You may bring your own selection of music to play by pairing with our sound system or provided on a CD. If you would like items prepared and provisioned on your behalf, please let us know.
Captain meets with guests at the dock 10-15 minutes prior to departure time.
Embark the private 25ft Boston Whaler.
A USCG required safety brief and overview of the boat is provided by the Captain to all passengers.
Departure proceeds to a tranquil location, generally at least 3 nautical miles off shore passing Peanut Island before heading out the Lake Worth Inlet. If offshore conditions are otherwise non-conducive or otherwise unsafe, family may choose to do an Inlet release during an outgoing tide.
Bottled water, cooler and ice is provided.
Client/Family are welcome to bring their own music to link via Bluetooth to our sound system or on a CD.
Arrival at serene location, the Captain, Minister and/or family members will provide a reading of a passage, conduct the ceremony, release of ashes, memorial flowers/rose petals and or any biodegradable mementos.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, captain will make a final pass around the scattering allowing the family time for any final reflection, remembrance and a chance for a final farewell as their loved one begins their journey around the globe.
The vessel will make it's way back to port at a slower pace to allow family to gather on deck, embrace one another, take photos and reflect on this occasion.
Post Cruise: A designated family member receives one (1) Memorial Certificate via email along with any photographs taken as well as a direct link to Google Earth GPS location. Memorial certificate may include a family provided photo, photo of the scattering, date, time, latitude/longitude coordinates and a brief statement. This certificate gives meaning to many family members for re-visiting at later dates or for dispersing other family cremains at the same location. Additional certificates can be ordered for an additional fee.
Gratuity is not included and never required, but with any personal services rendered, an 18%-25% gratuity is an accepted way to thank the Captain and/or crew for exceptional service.
We understand that members of the family may not be able to attend for any number of reasons, but still wish that the final resting place of their beloved is carried out at sea. All you need to do is send us any amount of ashes to be scattered and the Captain will ensure to carry out the duties in just as much reverence and respect as if you were attending personally. The Captain will note the GPS coordinates and make note of the day and sea conditions, scatter the ashes among fresh flower petals and mail you back a certificate containing the information along with photographs of the site. Cremated remains must be mailed using USPS or we can pick them up from a local funeral director in Palm Beach County
If shipping cremains, you must ship using the USPS Cremains Kit#2 and can be obtained for free at https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/cremated-remains-kit-2-P_BOX_CREKIT2
You may include any biodegradable mementos such as hand written notes, a message on a stone or photos printed on plain paper.
Within 10-14 days of receipt, the Captain will travel at least 3 nautical miles offshore.
Captain conducts dignified and respectful ceremony in the same fashion as if the family was in attendance.
Proof of service photos are taken and a designated family member will receive one (1) Memorial Certificate via email within 72 hours. Memorial Certificate may include a family provided photo of their loved one, photo of scattering, date, time, latitude/longitude coordinates and a brief statement. This certificate gives meaning to many family members for future site visits at a later date or for dispersing other family cremains at the same location. Additional certificates can be ordered for an additional fee.
The option to disburse additional cremains of other family members, on the same cruise, is available by booking the "Upgraded" service.
Cooler Ice Bottled Water
Sunglasses, any food or non-alcoholic beverages you may want (water provided), a camera, raincoat just in case, non-aerosol sunblock
Due to licensing and insurance, alcohol can not be provided or brought onboard.
Conveniently located 1 mile south from the marina, Publix offers easy access and ample parking. You will find a large assortment of drinks, snacks and beverages you may like to enjoy during your trip. We do have some extra space in our cooler with ice but guests are welcomed and encourage to bring their own.
Publix is located at 228 Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Our captain(s) are not employees of Sandhill Charters but rather, independent contractors working exclusively for tips/gratuities/bonuses like any crew member on the water. Considerable time and efforts are made cleaning, washing and provisioning the vessel before your arrival, amazing service and knowledge during your trip, and cleanup/tear down of the vessel after your departure.
When you receive outstanding service from our captain, a gratuity/tip of 18%-25% of your trip total is standard in this industry and is a great way to show appreciation for the hard work performed. (Cash, Venmo, Zelle) Additionally, leaving a Google Review after your trip (mentioning their name directly) qualifies the crew member for incentivized bonuses.*
We ask that when guests book a charter, they should be certain that they will enjoy the boat that day. Once a client reserves a trip, we notify all subsequent inquiries that “the boat is unavailable or taken.” So for this reason we have the following refund policy.
100% Refund- A full refund for cancellations made AT LEAST 24 hours in advance before the scheduled charter date and time will be given.
No Refund – No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled charter date or, if you end or request to return to port early during an “already-in-progress” charter for any reason. If the captain deems it necessary to end a trip early due to guest misconduct, intoxication, gross safety violations, drugs, harassment or in any way a risk to the boat, crew or guests, refunds will not be given.
Refunds will be issued within 24 hours of cancellation to the original form of payment and could take up to 30 days post trip, depending on your bank. Most refunds are received within 1-3 business days
If Sandhill Charters or Captain cancels the charter for ANY reason other than stated in the “No Refund” section above, a Full Refund will be issued.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and non-slip shoes as the boat deck may be wet.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and a smooth boarding process.
Florida’s sun can be strong; bring sunscreen and a hat to stay protected during the ceremony.
Keep the guest list intimate to ensure comfort and compliance with safety regulations on the vessel.
Lake Park has a rich maritime history tied to Florida's Atlantic coast, once serving as a hub for fishing and trade vessels.
Sandhill Charters prioritizes sustainable marine practices, ensuring ceremonies leave no trace for future generations to enjoy.
Protects your face and neck from the strong Florida sun during open-water ceremonies.
summer specific
Provides warmth against cooler ocean breezes experienced in winter months.
winter specific
Ensures safety and stability on the possibly wet boat deck.
Prevents sunburn during extended time outdoors, especially on reflective water surfaces.
spring specific