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 Morro Bay

Captain license

Not needed when the family scatters

Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration

Inside Morro Bay waters

Allowed with conditions

Morro Bay harbor and estuary; Estero Bay; Pacific Ocean

Ocean

3+ nautical miles from land

Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.

Morro Bay harbor and estuary are inland waters, but the navigable channel runs close to shore, and parts of the bay are state marine protected areas. Spots 500+ yards from all shoreline are limited (unclear). Most trips go out to Estero Bay or the ocean. Waters off Morro Bay appear to lie between two national marine sanctuaries. Monterey Bay NMS ends at Cambria to the north. The new Chumash Heritage NMS (designated October 2024) starts about two miles southeast of the Diablo Canyon marina and explicitly left out Morro Bay. File with San Luis Obispo County.

Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sources

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