Burial at Sea

A simple, serene farewell where the body is respectfully laid to rest in the ocean, in alignment with maritime traditions & environmental care.

Our burial at sea service can accommodate up to twenty people, and offers a choice between a steel casket or a biodegradable shroud.

Immediate burial
at sea

$4,500

Service fee for funeral director, staff, and overhead.

Preparation of (1) death certificate and disposition permits.

Pickup and transfer of the decedent to our care center in Los Angeles.

Coordination with local medical examiner/coroner, if required. Coroner fees are not included.

Cleaning, preparation, and refrigerated storage.

Shrouding or casketing

Includes a natural cotton shroud and weights.

Transportation to the disposition location.

Cost of ocean burial.

State fees.

Casket not included in package price.

burial at sea
+ ceremony

$5,395

Same as Direct package.

Up to 25 people onboard the vessel.

More people can be accommodated with additional vessels (market price).

Includes 1 natural cotton shroud and weights.

Casket not included in package price.

Includes use of LifeSource staff.

Celebrant not included.

Casket and Shroud

Natural-Color Shroud

(a different shroud option ranging from $350-$600 can be selected in place of the natural colored shroud)

Included in Package Price:

This shroud is made from natural fibers and is undyed. Weights are added to the shroud to ensure that the ocean floor is reached.
Alternative shrouds are available to purchase.

Stainless Steel

$1,600

These caskets are stripped of all non-metal, synthetic materials (think synthetic fabrics, and padding) to ensure that we are not polluting our ocean with the sea burials
The casket is outfitted with 20x 2-inch holes and additional weights to ensure your person reaches the ocean floor to complete their cycle.

Contact us for pre-planning or immediate need pricing.

Burial at Sea Process

We believe in 100% transparency and are available 24/7 to answer your questions.

SCHEDULE A Consultation

Arrange and Transfer Care.

Meet with LifeSource either virtually or in person to discuss our burial at sea services. Once the services are arranged, LifeSource brings the deceased into our care.

Documentation.

LifeSource records and files the paperwork required to notify the State and County of the death.

Care and Preparation.

Once in our care, the individual is bathed and prepared for your ocean burial.Either a a weighted steel casket or a biodegradable shroud, specifically designed for ocean burials, is selected.
Return to the Ocean.

Return to the Ocean.

Our trusted Captain will navigate all aboard to the selected ocean burial location, where a celebration or memorial will be held before the natural cycle is completed.

SCHEDULE A Consultation

Celebrations and Memorials

What if your values could shape your legacy? Each of our sustainable deathcare options means your goodbye is not just an ending—it’s a gift to future generations. We work with you to find an end-of-life option that heals our planet and is perfectly tailored to your values and your story.

LifeSource is here to help so you can remain present and focus on celebrating and saying goodbye to your loved one. Don’t forget to ask us about our event planning services.

Immediate Need Plan Ahead

Traditional Viewing and Funeral Service

Traditional Memorial with Remains

Personalized Memorials

Personalized Scattering

Scatter at Sea

Memorial Tree at Better Place Forests

Permanent Keepsakes

Burial at Sea FAQs

What are the environmental benefits of Burial at Sea?

Burial at sea is not only less resource-intensive since it does not permanently occupy usable land, but the carbon within the body becomes sequestered in the ocean as it nourishes marine life. Furthermore, there is no use of chemical preservatives since embalming is discouraged.

Where can sea burials take place?

Ocean burials must be performed at least 3 miles offshore. We offer ocean burials off the coast of Los Angeles, San Pedro, Long Beach, Santa Catalina, Redondo Beach, Point Vincent, and Point Fermin. Price varies based on location.

Why are weights added?

Weights are added to ensure the person sinks swiftly and reaches the ocean floor. Weights allow the person to settle naturally and permanently beneath the surface, rather than resurfacing or drifting.

Why are holes drilled in the casket?

Holes are drilled in the casket to ensure that it takes on water and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. Without the holes it would be too buoyant. The holes also allow access for the various marine decomposing organisms.

How long is the boat trip?

The round trip with a celebration or memorial takes two and a half hours.

How many people can attend the sea burial?

The vessel can hold up to 20 people. Additional vessels can be rented to accommodate larger groups.

Is there parking available?

Free parking is available at the San Pedro Marina.

Start planning now to create new life from loss.

It’s never too early to think about a meaningful goodbye and consider how pre-planning can take the burden off friends and family.

Plan Ahead