San Juan Island Washington | Scattering Ashes & Burial
LOCATION
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San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island, Washington, is a peaceful island with calm waters and views of the Pacific. It’s a beautiful place for a sea tribute. First, the gentle waves and quiet air bring comfort. Next, orcas and sea birds often appear, adding wonder to each moment. In addition, the island’s long ties to ocean life give each farewell deeper meaning. Also, San Juan Island blends nature, care, and calm. As a result, it offers a thoughtful 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:

Lime Kiln Point State Park Dubbed “Whale Watch Park,” this 42‑acre state park features a historic 1919 lighthouse perched on dramatic Westside cliffs. It’s renowned as one of the world’s best land-based orca‑ and whale‑watching spots—visitors can often see these majestic creatures breach within 20 feet of shore. The park offers accessible trails, an interpretive center, picnicking, and tide‑pool exploration

San Juan Island National Historical Park This national park spans two units—American Camp and English Camp—offering coastal bluff trails, historic military sites, and sweeping views of the Salish Sea. Popular hikes include Bluff Trail and Mount Finlayson (for panoramic island vistas), providing a serene mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage

The Whale Wins A James Beard–awarded spot in Friday Harbor offering wood-fired, local-flavor dishes that spotlight Pacific Coast ingredients—fruits from island farms and seafood from nearby waters

Downriggers This family‑run waterfront grill overlooks Friday Harbor’s ferry slip and seaplane dock. It features Pacific Northwest cuisine—like smoked salmon, oysters, and fresh fish—and a scratch-made cocktail menu in a casually elegant setting

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

Featured Locations

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Hollywood, Florida

Hollywood, FL is a sunny coastal city with sparkling waters and a charming oceanfront boardwalk. Families often choose Hollywood for burial at sea. It offers calm waves, clear skies, and...

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San Juan Island, Washington

San Juan Island, Washington, is a peaceful island with calm waters and views of the Pacific. It’s a beautiful place for a sea tribute. First, the gentle waves and quiet...

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Chincoteague, Virginia

Chincoteague, VA is a calm island with wild ponies, sandy beaches, and open sea views. Families often choose Chincoteague for burial at sea. It feels quiet, beautiful, and full of...

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Portsmouth, Rhode Island

Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is a quiet coastal town with bayside access and wide water views. It offers a calm and beautiful setting for a sea burial. First, the still waters...

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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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