Is the unattended burial at sea legal in California?

Yes, Monterey Bay Whale Watch follows all state and federal regulations to conduct unattended burials legally and respectfully.

How do I secure a spot on the waitlist?

You can choose your preferred month and join the waitlist online via the company’s booking platform.

Can I attend the burial in person?

This service is unattended by design, but family members can participate in scheduling and memorializing before and after the event.

What environmental protections are in place?

Strict guidelines ensure no harm to marine ecosystems during burials, including approved biodegradable materials.

What happens if the weather is bad on the scheduled date?

The company monitors weather closely and will reschedule the service if conditions are unsafe for boating.

Are there alternatives if I prefer a attended burial at sea?

While this specific service is unattended, Monterey Bay Whale Watch can provide information on options for attended ceremonies.

Unattended Burial at Sea in Monterey, California

Offering a deeply personal and peaceful way to honor a loved one, the Unattended Burial at Sea experience with Monterey Bay Whale Watch provides a unique farewell amid the calm open waters of Monterey, California. This service allows families to choose a meaningful month for the ceremony, enabling a quiet, reflective atmosphere on the serene Pacific Ocean. Unlike traditional funerals, this unattended burial lets nature take its course without direct attendance, bringing a profound sense of tranquility and finality. The surrounding marine environment, with its stunning coastal views and gentle ocean breezes, enhances the moment of remembrance. Participants stay connected to the natural world as they pay tribute, embracing a farewell that's both respectful and timeless. The team at Monterey Bay Whale Watch ensures every aspect of the process adheres to local regulations and environmental standards, preserving the area’s beauty for future generations. This experience provides a meaningful alternative to traditional memorials, combining the peacefulness of the ocean with the reverence of the ceremony, making it truly unforgettable for all involved.

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.