Is a permit required to scatter ashes at sea?

Yes, Monterey Bay Whale Watch ensures all necessary permits and environmental regulations are followed for a legal Burial at Sea.

How many people can participate in the ceremony?

The private charters accommodate up to 35 people, making it suitable for smaller gatherings and family groups.

Are there restroom facilities on board?

Yes, the Pt. Sur Clipper is equipped with restroom facilities for guest comfort during the voyage.

Can the service be customized or extended?

Absolutely, the charter length can be selected from one to three hours to fit your group’s needs and ceremony plans.

What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the trip?

Monterey Bay Whale Watch monitors weather closely and will reschedule or advise on safety if conditions are not suitable.

Is there staff support during the ashes scattering?

Yes, trained crew members assist with the ceremony and ensure the process is respectful and smooth.

Burial at Sea Experience in Monterey, California

Honoring a loved one with a Burial at Sea off the coast of Monterey is a deeply moving and respectful way to celebrate a life. Aboard the Pt. Sur Clipper, Monterey Bay Whale Watch offers private charters for up to 35 people, providing an intimate setting for scattering ashes in the peaceful Pacific Ocean. With options ranging from one to three hours, the trip can be tailored to suit your group's needs, allowing for quiet reflection and heartfelt farewells surrounded by the vast beauty of the sea and sky. This experience not only delivers a meaningful memorial service but also offers a chance to connect with nature’s tranquility. The calm waters and breathtaking coastline create a serene atmosphere perfect for remembrance. The knowledgeable crew ensures every detail is handled with care and respect, guiding you through the ceremony while providing support at every step. Whether during sunrise or sunset, the ocean backdrop enhances the significance of this tribute. Monterey itself, with its rich maritime history and protected marine environment, sets the scene for a unique and memorable service that celebrates life amid nature’s grandeur.

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.