Coastal Sunset Memorial: Burials at Sea

COVID-19 Update

Memorial Services is an Essential Business
As such, we can provide
Scattering of Ashes   or   Full Body Burials


Scattering of Ashes & Full Body Burials​

Coastal Sunset Memorial can provide a dignified memorial service to Scatter the Ashes of your loved one over the beautiful Pacific Ocean. We also pioneered California's
Full Body Burial at Sea.  (see the pictures to your right of the caskets on board.)  Lately we have taken to a more natural burial*Coastal Sunset Memorial is a family business and we take pride in assisting other families in time of need and or on a pre-need basis. We understand this is a difficult time and we will respectfully coordinate and carry out your wishes for a memorial service that incorporates your values, family traditions and religion.
* Family Attended scattering's is why most folks choose us.
Yet we will provide Unattended scatterings for those who choose not to go out to sea or can't get to Santa Barbara.
*Scattering of Ashes at Sea is performed off the scenic Santa Barbara coastline. 
*Full Body Burials at Sea are performed off the scenic Santa Barbara Coast in compliance with Federal Regulations for deep ocean burials. 

We provide a memorial certificate suitable for framing -- listing time, date, and location (latitude & longitude) for free, additional ones are available for a small fee.

Coastal Sunset Memorial is a division of Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises.  We set sail 5 days a week offering sailing cruises along the Santa Barbara Coastline.  While these trips are usually recreational or romantic in nature.  We include sightseeing and Whale Watching (Feb-May)  Due to our extensive weekly sailing schedule, our Captain & Crew are excellent in customer care! In the case of a scattering, we understand the emotional depths that mourner's are experiencing... We seek to provide solace, safety and beauty in your experience with us.  Due to our vast daily sailing experiences, you will quickly come to ease and comfort, making your journey memorable!   While sadness is present in this service... It's our goal to truly find celebration in the life and meaning of those whom have traveled beyond. 

Options:
Attended Ash Scattering- $525 / 1.5 hours Private Charter for up to 16 passengers
The service would be held aboard a beautiful Morgan Ketch Yacht and performed with Majestic Mountains looming upon the Pacific in view of the beautiful Santa Barbara Harbor and California Coastline. People take great comfort in ceremony. We can help you plan a custom or traditional ceremony and will work with you to design a fitting tribute for your loved one. Please let us know the number of people you plan to have attend, the planned date and time for the service and if any clergy is requested.

Suggested Schedule for Ash Scattering:   It's important to note that wind is NOT the friend of those intending to scatter ashes!
We suggest a 9AM departure when the wind and seas are at their calmest!  After 31 years in this business... We do NOT offer scatterings during the afternoon.  Winds tends to pick up the ashes and blow them everywhere... including on top of YOU!  Don't tempt fate!  

We have this service down to a science: A 9AM departure usually finds the Pacific in a calm sea state.  Flat and windless!
Our destination is usually off some stunning Seacliffs. (North is the Shoreline Park. Her seacliffs overlook the burial site... in case you ever wish to pay the location a visit in the future).  Upon arrival, the Captain will lower the boat speed and usher folks to the stern of the boat for the services.  Upon stopping, turning off the engine, a lovely calm permeates the boat. This is the recommended time for folks to talk about the life of the person.  Normally we take turns, with each person having their say.  Sometimes folks will play special music that reminds them of their loved one.  When everyone has had their say, it's time to scatter the ashes.  This can be a shared service, where family or friends take a turn.  Usually the ashes are in a box, so it's a simple pour into the ocean. Personally, I'm tactile... I want to reach in, take my beloved into my hand.  Hold them one last time!  Letting the ashes flow between my fingers into the sea.  Once the ashes are fully scattered, we suggest a moment of silence.  While folks reflect in quiet, the Captain will eventually unfurl some sails and leave the memorial site... quiet on a wisp of air... true sailing is our choice!   Off into the blue Pacific we sail. Now it's time to turn the sadness into a celebration of Life...   Our sailboat ride back to the harbor is best used as the "wake"...   Wake being a celebration of Life.
Onboard the Sunset Kidd we have a fully stocked bar.  If the deceased had a favorite drink, then order one for all whom is game!  Or a toast of champagne. Sunset Kidd has a "Cash Bar".   We also suggest bringing food trays, suggest croissants, donuts, cake or?  Upon returning to the dock, we find that folks have literally done a full circle of emotions.  From the sadness of the loss,  to the happiness knowing the deceased had brought meaningful love to their life.  As the saying goes, "It's better to have known love and lost it... then to have never had love at all!"  At Sunset Kidd we are committed to making it easier for you to plan a personalized memorial service at sea that celebrates the life of your loved one in a way that is especially meaningful. Whether scattering ashes or a Full Body burial, we'll take care of you and your loved one.

Unattended Ash Scattering - $150
Our Captain will conduct the scattering at sea in a dignified and respectful manner. The scattering service is performed on the beautiful Pacific Ocean along the Santa Barbara Coastline. This service is helpful and convenient for families and friends, who live out of the area or get sea sick, yet want to honor their loved ones wishes to be scattered at sea.

Full Body Burial at Sea- $4,250
Sunset Kidd pioneered Full Body Burials along the California Coast. 
We offer Full Body Casket Sea burials for $4,250 / 6 hours Private Charter that includes up to 16 passengers.
or for those choosing a more ecological choice of a Sea Shroud, we offer a discount rate of $3,500.

Note:  "While being born in Long Beach CA. I can't comprehend a full body sea burial at my birth place.  Something about being buried off the busiest commercial harbor on the west coast is not appealing!   Setting sail some 10 miles out of Santa Barbara Harbor into a deep trench of pristine waters will be my final resting spot." Captain Dennis   (This service was pioneered by Captain Dennis due to his own wishes to be cast upon the seas that he loves so dearly.) 

Contact us for further details (805) 962-8222 or info@sunsetkidd.com  

COVID-19 Special Circumstance!
Please Do NOT... Book online during COVID-19...  

Please Call (805) 962-8222

We would be happy to accommodate any special requests or answer any questions you may have. 
We can also assist with recommendations for a Crematory. 
Please contact us for more information and details: (805) 962-8222 or info@sunsetkidd.com