Gloucester Massachusetts | Scattering Ashes & Burial
LOCATION
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Gloucester, Massachusetts

Gloucester, Massachusetts, is a proud fishing town with ocean views, a working harbor, and rich maritime roots. It’s a peaceful place for a sea farewell. First, the sound of waves and fresh sea air bring a sense of calm. Then, the town’s seafaring past adds meaning to the moment. Visitors can walk along the docks, visit local museums, or simply enjoy the natural views. In addition, Gloucester’s charm and history create a setting that feels both comforting and personal. Altogether, it offers a touching way to honor loved ones at sea.

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The Service:

Compassionate, Seamless Burial at Sea Services Nationwide

At Sea Services, we partner with carefully vetted captains and crew across the United States to ensure your memorial experience is smooth, respectful, and deeply meaningful.

Our Burial at Sea and Ash Scattering Services include a beautifully crafted biodegradable urn adorned with freeze-dried flowers, along with a personalized memorial certificate mailed to you after the ceremony. Every service is conducted in full compliance with EPA regulations and aboard U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessels, ensuring safety and professionalism at every step.

What to Expect During Your Memorial Charter
Each charter lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, dock to dock. The journey includes:

  • 30–45 minutes traveling out to sea
  • 30 minutes at a serene location for the ceremony
  • 30–45 minutes returning to harbor

During your time on the water, you’ll have the space and time to reflect, pray, share stories, and release ashes in a peaceful and private setting. Our experienced captains can help guide the ceremony or offer support as needed, ensuring a respectful and memorable farewell.


Points of Interest:

Gloucester Fishermen's Memorial This iconic 8 ft bronze sculpture, also called “Man at the Wheel,” was unveiled in 1925 to honor the many mariners lost at sea. Positioned on South Stacy Boulevard overlooking Gloucester Harbor, the memorial depicts a fisherman gripping the ship’s wheel, staring into the wind—a powerful symbol of the city’s seafaring legacy

Good Harbor Beach One of Gloucester’s most picturesque sandy beaches, featuring soft white sand, clear surf, and a seasonal land-bridge connecting to Salt Island at low tide. Popular for swimming, sunbathing, tide-pooling, and sweeping scenic views, it requires early arrival and a day-use parking fee (typically $25–$30)

The Causeway Restaurant A beloved local spot serving hearty Italian and seafood dishes in a casual, welcoming atmosphere since 2013. Highlights include shareable entrees, large portions, BYOB policy, and a friendly owner presence—all without reservations

Seaport Grille A harborside favorite located at Cruiseport Gloucester with two waterfront deck levels, offering fresh local seafood, surf & turf, and classic American cuisine. With panoramic harbor views and a relaxed coastal ambiance, it’s a perfect spot for lunch or dinner facebook.com+4

Inquire now
  • Featured Locations
  • Family Memorial Service
  • Captain's Service
  • scattering or burial?

Featured Locations

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Kemah Boardwalk, Texas

Kemah Boardwalk, TX is a lively coastal town with bay views and a festive boardwalk. Many families choose Kemah for burials at sea. It offers beauty, easy access to the...

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Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach, California, has calm waters, scenic views, and peaceful marinas. It’s a quiet place for a private sea burial. First, the soft breeze and blue sky create space to...

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San Pedro, California

San Pedro, California, home to the Port of Los Angeles, offers deepwater access and a strong naval history. It’s a fitting place for a sea burial. First, the wide ocean...

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Mobile Bay, Alabama

Mobile Bay, AL is a coastal area with calm waters, southern charm, and easy Gulf access. Many families choose Mobile Bay for burial at sea. The setting feels peaceful, historic,...

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Family Memorial Services

For those families wishing to plan their own memorial voyage, Sea Services™ provides the vessel and crew, from the port of your choice.  You select the time, place and arrangements and invite as many guests as you wish.

We have many of crafts at your service.  And we can help you plan every detail of this special memorial.     As your voyage will be a first-time maritime funeral experience for many of your guests, Sea Services™ will work closely with you to make this a fitting memorial occasion, carefully evaluating your needs and desires to insure a safe, comfortable and memorable day for all.

First-class family services like these vary greatly in every detail.  Likewise, their costs also vary considerably.  Contact Sea Services today at 1-888-404-9880 for the current cost of a Family Memorial Service. Costs for a small group, larger groups, special services or trips in the height of the recreational boating season are available on request.

Whether your group is large or small, from one guest to several hundred, Sea Services™ carefully chosen captains and crews have the licensing and experience to provide a safe, and most memorable trip.

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Captain's Service

Often families cannot venture to sea or attend a scattering ashes at sea memorial service. Our captains bring the cremated remains on an ocean voyage for you.  A dignified sea scattering of ashes or burial at sea is performed and documented, with that documentation provided to you.  This is our most popular service, with prices beginning at just $325.

While the Captain’s Service does not provide for the family or guests to accompany the vessel, specific requests, such as dates or times, special prayers or simple ceremonies are often available.  Special planning, however, can add to our costs.   Many ports have seasonal demands and schedules vary at different times of the year.   You may call us for specific fees at the port of your choice.

Most often, cremated remains are received at Sea Services’ home office via priority mail express US Mail, sometimes directly from the funeral home or crematory.   For the specific “Three Easy Steps” to a Captain’s Service™. Call us anytime with your specific wishes, or just to discuss our services.  Sea Services™ will work hard to accommodate your desires while insuring the best value.

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Scattering or Burial?

The scattering of cremated remains on the sea’s surface is timeless tradition — a chosen funeral custom for thousands of years.   Many, however,  due to personal, religious or traditional desires, prefer to be placed in a burial urn on the ocean’s floor.

Sea Services has developed the Burial at Sea Service that sensitively accomplishes this timeless tradition, while insuring 21st Century protection of the environment.  Whether you choose a traditional Sea Scattering or the dignified Burial at Sea with a urn you can be assured that your service will receive our personal attention at any port, off any shore of our nation.

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