Your captain meets your group at the dock, takes you to the scattering spot, and gives you time for words, music, flowers or silence. Afterward, the captain records the coordinates of the scattering so your family always knows where it took place. Biodegradable urns and flowers can be ordered from our memorial store and delivered before your service.

Scattering rules in Monterey

Captain license

Not needed when the family scatters

Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration

Inside Monterey waters

Allowed with conditions

Monterey Harbor; Monterey Bay; Pacific Ocean off Point Pinos

Ocean

3+ nautical miles from land

Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.

Under the US v. California decree, Monterey Bay inside a straight line from Point Pinos to Point Santa Cruz is inland waters. State law then allows scattering 500+ yards from shore, and the EPA 3-nm ocean permit technically does not apply inside that line. Monterey Harbor itself is too small for the 500-yard rule. All of Monterey Bay lies inside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Sanctuary rules (15 CFR 922.132) ban discharging 'any material' with listed exceptions, and none of those exceptions mentions cremated remains. Local operators scatter there routinely, but no NOAA document confirming that it is allowed was found (see open questions). Carmel Bay and Point Lobos are state ocean protected areas (ASBS) nearby. File with Monterey County Vital Records (1270 Natividad Rd, Salinas; $12 permits).

Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sources

Last checked October 15, 2026. A summary, not legal advice.