Scattering on Rivers, lakes or the sea

Scattering cremated ashes at sea or on rivers is great way to give a loved one a really nice send-off and research suggests that those who scatter find the presence of water after that very comforting.

You can choose to scatter the ashes from a boat or the shore – the ocean, the river, a lake or a canal. The choice is yours and each has it advantages…

From a boat: if you have access to a boat you can do it yourself – you do not need a licence to spread ashes in tidal coastal waters off of the UK. Although there are a number of boat companies that operate a service whether it’s on the sea or river. In all there are a number of options available from religious Hindu and Christian services to non-religious / secular:

Scattering funeral ashes at sea:

We can find the best operator for you from virtual every section of coast line of the United Kingdom: Hampshire; the Solent; North and South; Dorset coast; Bristol Channel; South west Cornish, Devon Coast; Essex and Kent Coast. Scotland, Northern Island, the English Channel and the Channel Islands.

Advice
As a general guide price if you wish to hire a boat for a ceremony the the cost is between £100 – £400 depending what is provided.

If scattering funeral ashes from a boat you should consider getting an urn or container fit for the purpose. There are two reason for this:

• one the finer ash particles get caught in the breeze and very often blow back and stick to the side of the boat,
• the right sort urn will float for while and gently submerge below the surface allowing you to cast petals or a wreath should you wish. You can go to our page on suitable water burial urns. Also on our accessories page you can find dried rose petals which is a nice touch when scattering over the waves…

From to waters edge: on a beach, a bridge or the rivers edge – all make good venues, if you are planning to scatter cremated funeral ashes in a river or canal – you can download the Environment Agency leaflet from the where to scatter page. Should you choose scatter from the waters edge – we found this scattering tube which we thought fitted the bill – Scattering Tube another option is to set adrift and set alight in a model viking boat It is up to you , there are advantages and disadvantages to both

Boat v Shoreline

Advantages for a boat – no chance of being intruded upon, it is more private and you can reach more inaccessible places. Likely feel more of an occasion.

Advantages for a shore line – no cost, choose your own timings and durations, no chance of seasickness!