Scattering Ashes on San Francisco Bay: Cost, California Rules, and What to Expect
Scattering ashes on San Francisco Bay is legal with a permit. Inside the Bay, California law asks that the scattering take place at least 500 yards from shore. Beyond the Golden Gate, the EPA’s burial-at-sea permit applies at least 3 nautical miles from land. A private memorial with us is $730 for the whole boat and up to six guests, leaving from Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman’s Wharf. Your family brings the state permit, Form VS-9, and Captain Molly files it after the service.
Burial at sea, or scattering ashes?
You will hear both, and on San Francisco Bay they describe the same journey. “Burial at sea” is the older phrase, and the one the EPA uses for its permit. “Scattering ashes at sea” describes what actually happens when cremated remains are released on the water.
What it costs
| Service | Price | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| A memorial for a loved one | $730 | The whole boat for your family, up to six guests, with Captain Molly |
| Scattering on your behalf | $730 | Captain Molly scatters the ashes when no one is able to come aboard |
| A memorial for a cherished companion | $730 | A private memorial for a pet, up to six guests; living pets are welcome |
| Extra time on the Bay | $350 an hour | Added to any memorial |
There is no per-person charge; the boat is yours. For groups larger than six, Captain Molly recommends The Bass Tub with Captain Aaron Anfinson.
California’s rules, plainly
Is it legal to scatter ashes in San Francisco Bay?
Yes. California’s Health and Safety Code §7117 allows scattering at sea, which includes the Bay and other inland navigable waters, as long as it takes place at least 500 yards from the shoreline and not from a bridge or pier. The remains are removed from their container first.
What about the ocean beyond the Golden Gate?
In the open ocean the EPA’s general permit applies: at least 3 nautical miles from land, with the EPA notified within 30 days. The EPA permit covers human remains only.
Who gets the permit, and who files it?
Your family obtains the permit and hands it to Captain Molly, and she files it after the service. California calls it the Application and Permit for Disposition of Human Remains, Form VS-9. It is issued by the county where the death occurred, usually through the mortuary or crematory that handled the cremation.
- Bring the original. The physical permit has to be aboard before Miss Molly leaves the dock. Without it, the scattering cannot go ahead.
- Check where it says the ashes will go. It should say they will be scattered at sea off the coast of San Francisco County, where the boat departs.
- After the service, Captain Molly completes the disposition section and files the permit with the county. For an offshore scattering she also sends the report to the EPA.
- If no one can come aboard, send the permit with the ashes.
If you don’t have the permit yet, ask the mortuary or crematory that handled the cremation; they can arrange one that names scattering at sea off San Francisco County. If the death occurred in San Francisco, the county’s Office of Vital Records is at City Hall, Room 160, (628) 754-6440.
Can we scatter ashes from the beach or the Golden Gate Bridge?
Not in the Bay. §7117 requires at least 500 yards from shore and rules out bridges and piers, so in practice the scattering is done from a boat.
Sources: California Health & Safety Code §7117; EPA: burial at sea.
What happens on the day
- Tell us about the day you have in mind. Share a little about the life you are honoring, your family, and any readings, music, or flowers. If you don’t have the Form VS-9 permit yet, ask your mortuary or crematory now.
- Meet at Hyde Street Harbor at Fisherman’s Wharf. When you arrive, text Captain Molly from the bench and wait for her there; please don’t walk down to the boat on your own.
- Head out to the site. Captain Molly chooses it with you, inside the Bay or offshore, depending on the weather and what you would like. The cabin is heated and there is a private bathroom aboard.
- The ceremony and the scattering. The pace is yours. Afterward Captain Molly records the GPS position and files your permit.
You can walk through the day, step by step, whenever you are ready.
What to bring
- The original Form VS-9 permit
- The ashes, in a scattering urn or the container from the crematory
- Loose natural flowers or petals, if you would like them
- Warm layers, and flat shoes with soft, non-marking soles for the deck
After the service, Captain Molly records the GPS coordinates of the scattering for your family’s records.
Ceremony ideas and words
There is no script. Some families share a memory or read a poem. Others stand together quietly for a while, or release loose flowers one at a time. Readings, music, an officiant, and religious ceremonies of any faith are welcome aboard.
Urns and flowers
The ashes are removed from the urn for the scattering, and you keep the urn. Only natural, fully biodegradable things go into the water with them: loose flowers, petals, or a wreath made to dissolve. Plastic ribbon, wire, synthetic flowers, and non-biodegradable containers stay aboard.
Cherished companions
Families also come to honor a pet, and living pets are welcome aboard. If you would like to honor a person and a pet on the same trip, let us know when you plan your memorial. The EPA’s permit covers human remains only, so a companion’s memorial is its own part of the day. Read more about memorials for cherished companions.
Plan a memorial
When you are ready, plan a memorial for a loved one or for a cherished companion. If you have questions first, write to us.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to scatter ashes at sea?
Yes. Bring the original California permit, Form VS-9, which your mortuary or crematory arranges. It should say the ashes will be scattered at sea off the coast of San Francisco County. Captain Molly can’t leave the dock without it, and she completes and files it after the service.
How much does it cost to have ashes scattered at sea?
$730 for the whole boat and captain, for up to six guests, or $730 for Captain Molly to scatter the ashes on your behalf.
How far from shore do you have to be?
At least 500 yards from shore inside the Bay, and at least 3 nautical miles from land for an ocean scattering under the EPA permit.
What if the weather is bad?
Captain Molly makes the call for safety. If she cancels for weather, you receive a full refund or a new date. You can also cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the trip.