Is there a limit to how many people can attend?

Yes, the Blackfin can accommodate up to 100 passengers for a private Burial at Sea service.

How long is each Burial at Sea service?

Services range from one to three hours, allowing flexibility based on your needs.

Are ashes scattered directly into the ocean?

Yes, ashes are carefully scattered at sea in accordance with environmental regulations.

What should we bring to the trip?

Bring layered clothing, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and seasickness medication if needed.

Is the ceremony legally recognized?

Yes, Burial at Sea is conducted legally and respectfully, adhering to all marine and environmental laws.

Can non-family members attend the service?

Yes, up to 100 guests can participate, making it suitable for family, friends, and community members.

Burial at Sea Experience in Monterey, California | Boat Tour | Private

Monterey Bay Whale Watch invites you to share a heartfelt and deeply personal outdoor experience with their Burial at Sea aboard the Blackfin. Perfect for groups of up to 100 passengers, this unique charter offers you an opportunity to honor loved ones by scattering their ashes across the peaceful ocean waters of Monterey Bay. The experience is designed to be intimate, reflective, and meaningful, with flexible service options running from one to three hours. This private voyage not only provides a tranquil setting for saying goodbye but also offers moments to connect with the beauty and calm of the Pacific Ocean. With the expert crew handling the vessel and guiding the memorial, guests can focus entirely on the ceremony and remembering their loved ones. The expansive views, gentle sea breeze, and the marine-rich environment contribute to a serene backdrop that makes this farewell especially memorable. Whether you’re seeking a quiet time for remembrance or a special gathering with friends and family, this Burial at Sea adventure offers an outdoor tribute unlike any other on California’s central coast.

About Monterey Bay Whale Watch

Monterey Bay Whale Watch is a Monterey-based charter operator specializing in whale watching and pelagic wildlife excursions across Monterey Bay and adjacent offshore waters. The operator offers a range of trips—from short three-hour sunset cruises to full-day twelve-hour pelagic and whale-watching voyages—designed for photographers, families, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Guided sailings combine experienced captains with marine naturalists and guest experts, including a dedicated Ted Cheeseman four-hour Humpback Whale naturalist cruise and seasonal killer whale search trips offered in April and May.

Safety and vessel readiness are prioritized: trips operate from fully equipped boats with life-saving equipment and experienced crew trained in marine wildlife protocols. Sightings commonly include humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, orcas, dolphins, and a wide variety of seabirds such as shearwaters and albatrosses. Pelagic seabird trips focus on offshore species and often coincide with feeding events that attract large marine predators.

Monterey Bay Whale Watch also facilitates unique services like unattended burials at sea with a waitlist option for families seeking a maritime memorial. Reservations are recommended—especially for full-day pelagic trips and seasonal specials—due to limited capacity. The operator emphasizes education, ethical viewing practices, and compliance with federal and state marine wildlife regulations, making it a trusted choice for visitors seeking responsible, informative, and memorable ocean experiences.

Vessels are spacious and fully equipped for photography, with indoor seating, raised viewing decks, and restrooms for comfort on longer voyages. The company routinely collaborates with local researchers and contributes sighting reports to regional marine databases, reinforcing credibility and conservation-minded stewardship.