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 Santa Cruz

Captain license

Not needed when the family scatters

Cremated Remains Disposer (CRD) registration

Inside Santa Cruz waters

Allowed with conditions

Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor; Monterey Bay; Pacific Ocean

Ocean

3+ nautical miles from land

Federal rule. Report to the EPA within 30 days.

The Santa Cruz harbor is too small for the 500-yard rule. Monterey Bay itself, inside the line from Point Santa Cruz to Point Pinos, is inland water under the 1966 decree. State law there means 500+ yards from shore, and the EPA ocean permit may not technically apply. All of these waters are inside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, whose discharge rule has no listed exception for cremated remains (see open questions). File with Santa Cruz County Vital Statistics.

Full California guide: permits, paperwork and sources

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