Procedure and costs of a burial at sea

Burial at sea — an overview of the most important facts

Sea burial is a special form of burial in which the ashes of a deceased person are buried in the sea. It is often associated with freedom, closeness to nature and a deep connection to water.

The most important things at a glance:

expiry: The ashes are buried at sea in a special water-soluble urn. The ceremony can take place with or without family accompaniment.
prerequisites: Cremation is required in Germany. In addition, certain official approvals are required.
expenses: A funeral at sea usually costs between 2,500 and 5,000 euros, depending on the chosen ceremony and the sea area.
Possible locations: Sea burials are possible in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and international waters.
Alternative forms of burial: In addition to sea burial, there is forest burial or diamond burial, among other things.

As an experienced funeral home, we are here to provide you with empathetic support from the initial consultation to the implementation of the funeral at sea. We take care of all formalities and make it possible for a dignified farewell.

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What is a sea burial?

Sea burial is a special form of cremation in which the deceased's ashes are buried in the sea. This type of burial is often chosen by people who had a strong connection to water or want a natural and dignified alternative to traditional burial.

Symbolism and meaning

The sea stands for vastness, infinity and freedom. Burial at sea can provide comfort, as the deceased symbolically continues to live with the tides and becomes part of the natural cycle. Many relatives find it reassuring that the sea, as a final resting place, is constant and at the same time limitless.

Differences from classic burial

In contrast to burial, burial does not take place in a cemetery, but in a specially designated sea area. This eliminates grave maintenance and long-term follow-up costs. This makes burial at sea a maintenance-free yet dignified alternative.

Who is a sea burial suitable for?

In principle, anyone can choose a sea burial, provided that cremation takes place. In Germany, a declaration of intent by the deceased or a decision by the relatives is necessary.

Requirements for a burial at sea

Burial at sea is subject to certain legal regulations in Germany. In order for a burial at sea to be carried out, a number of requirements must be met.

Statutory regulations in Germany

In Germany, burial at sea is only permitted as a form of cremation. This means that the deceased must first be cremated. The ashes are then buried in a special, biodegradable urn, which completely dissolves in water.

In addition, a “special connection to the sea” must be proven in most federal states. This can be done through a written declaration of intent from the deceased or a decision by the next of kin.

Necessary permits

The following documents are required for sea burial:
death certificate
Cremation certificate
Authorization for burial at sea by the competent authority

We are happy to take care of these formalities for you so that you do not have to worry about bureaucratic issues during difficult times.

The process of a sea burial

A burial at sea follows a clearly structured process, which is divided into three phases: preparation, the ceremony at sea and the commemoration after the burial. Relatives can decide whether they want to accompany the burial or a silent burial at sea.

1. Preparation & planning

The organization of a sea burial begins with the cremation of the deceased. The ash is then transferred to a special water-soluble urn.

Urn selection: The urn must be biodegradable and completely dissolve in water.
Choice of place of burial: Sea burials are possible in the North Sea, Baltic Sea or international waters.
Regulatory Approvals: These are usually obtained by the funeral home.
Planning the ceremony: Relatives can decide whether they want to be accompanied on the ship or whether the burial should take place anonymously.

2. Carrying out the burial at sea

On the day of the funeral, the relatives — if desired — travel by boat to the chosen place of burial. That's where the ceremony takes place.

Funeral procedure:

Speech & farewell ceremony — A speaker, minister, or family member delivers a eulogy.
Burial of the urn — The water-soluble urn is handed over to the sea. Sometimes flowers or petals are sprinkled in water.
Turning the ship — According to seafaring tradition, the ship circles the burial ground one last time.
Return & Remembrance — The relatives will later receive a nautical chart with the exact coordinates of the burial site.

Behavior & dress code

The atmosphere on board is respectful and calm. There is no fixed dress code, but discreet clothing appropriate to the occasion is often worn.

3. After burial at sea

After the funeral, there are various ways of remembrance:

Commemorative trips: Relatives can go on a memorial trip to the burial ground at a later date.
Individual grief management: Many families create a place of remembrance at home with photos or a memorial candle.
Entry in the sea burial register: Some shipping companies offer the option of having the burial coordinates entered in an official register.

Memovida takes all organizational and formal steps for you to provide you with a dignified and smooth funeral. Create a non-binding offer now and receive transparent price information based on your individual wishes.

Costs of a burial at sea

The costs of a funeral at sea vary depending on the type of ceremony, the place of burial and the individual wishes of the relatives. Compared to a classic burial, it is often cheaper, as there are no cemetery fees and long-term grave maintenance.

Average costs of a sea burial & price factors

The costs of a funeral at sea consist of two main components: the costs of the funeral home and the shipping company's fees. At Memovida, the price for the “FIRE” package, which includes all necessary services up to burial at sea, is 2,150€. The prices of the shipping companies vary depending on the provider and type of burial: The costs for an accompanied sea burial are between 1,485€ and 2,650€, while a silent sea burial without relatives is possible from as little as 250€. The total cost of a burial at sea is therefore in the range of around 2,400€ to 4,800€, depending on the services selected.

Sea burial vs. other types of burial: A cost comparison

Compared to a classic burial (which often costs 8,000 — 20,000€ with cemetery fees, tombstone and care), sea burial is a financially manageable alternative. Compared to forest burial or anonymous cremation, it is also in a similar or slightly higher price range.

Is a price comparison between shipping companies worthwhile?

Yes, as different shipping companies offer different services and prices. While some providers carry out purely funerals without a ceremony, others offer extensive packages including farewell party, music and in-flight service.

Financial security options

There are various financial provision options to relieve family members:

Funeral pension contract — Even while you are still alive, you can plan and financially secure a sea burial.
death benefit insurance — Small monthly contributions ensure that all costs are covered in the event of death.
Escrow account for funeral expenses — A secure way to invest earmarked money for your own funeral.

As an experienced funeral home, we are happy to advise you on the best options and help you find a dignified and carefree solution for the future

Our package for a sea burial on the North Sea/Baltic Sea

parcel FIRE

Flexible and individual for a burial on the North Sea/Baltic Sea

2,150€

Individual advice via telephone or on site
Transfer from the place of death, to the crematorium and to the place of burial within Germany
Care for the deceased person (s), including clothing and embedding
Simple cremation coffin including equipment
‍(The costs of a cremation coffin are sometimes not included in the price of other funeral homes)
Costs for the crematorium and for the second morgue
‍(The cost of the crematorium is often not included in the price of other funeral homes. A second morgue before cremation is mandatory in Germany.)
Custody of the urn until burial
Registration and coordination with the place of burial
Reporting the death to the registry office (death certificate) and applying for two death certificates
Cancellations from health insurance and pension, if applicable, application for the 3-month transitional pension (widow/widower's pension also known as death quarter year)
Application for required documents (e.g. marriage certificate or divorce decree) if not available
Selection of a decorative urn from our range of comfort urns - Click here for the urn selection
‍(The cost of a decorative urn is often not included in the price at other funeral homes)

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Burial in the North Sea & Baltic Sea

In Germany, there are sea burials in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea possible. Both seas offer a dignified final resting place, but differ in their conditions and characteristics.

Permitted areas for sea burials

The burial takes place in specially designated sea areas away from the coasts to ensure long-term untouched resting place.

North Sea: Sea burials take place in international waters outside the 3-mile zone. Ports for departures include Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven and Büsum.
Baltic Sea: There are designated burial areas here, e.g. before Warnemünde, Rügen or Travemünde. The Baltic Sea is a preferred choice due to its calmer water conditions.

Memovida helps you choose the right lakeside area and organize the entire funeral.

Differences between the North Sea and Baltic Sea

trait	North Sea	Baltic Sea
Waves & flow	Stronger tides	Calmer water
Distance to coast	Burial sites farther out	Closer to the coast
Popular departure ports	Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Büsum	Warnemünde, Rügen, Travemünde
atmosphere	Spacious, natural	Quiet, protected

The choice between the North Sea and Baltic Sea often depends on personal preferences or the deceased's connection to the respective sea.

When can a funeral be postponed?

Sea burials depend on the weather. Strong winds, high waves, or storm warnings may result in a planned burial being postponed. The safety of relatives and crew is a top priority.

Alternative forms of burial to sea burial

Not everyone feels comfortable with a sea burial or sees it as a suitable final resting place. There are various alternative forms of burial, which also offer a natural and dignified way of saying goodbye.

Forest burial — resting place under trees

In the case of a Forest burial The biodegradable urn is buried at the roots of a tree in a designated funeral forest. In Germany are FriedWald and RuheForst The best-known providers for this natural form of burial.

Natural alternative to cemetery burial
No grave maintenance required
Often possible as a family or friend tree

Particularly suitable for: People who feel connected to nature and prefer a resting place in the countryside.

Diamond burial — memories for eternity

At the diamond burial Some of the ash is pressed into a synthetic diamond in a special process. This can be worn or stored as a piece of jewelry.

A unique keepsake
No need for a classic grave
Emotionally valuable for loved ones

Suitable for: People who want a very personal and special form of remembrance.

Which alternative is the right one?

Choosing the form of burial is a very personal decision. Each of these burials enables a dignified farewell outside a classic cemetery.

Memovida is available to advise you and help you find the right type of funeral for yourself or a loved one. We take care of all necessary formalities and arrange the funeral according to your individual wishes.

Frequently asked questions about burial at sea

What do you do at a sea burial?

The deceased's ashes are buried in a biodegradable urn at sea. The ceremony can take place with a farewell party on board or as a silent burial without accompaniment.

How much does a funeral at sea cost?

The costs are usually between 2,500 and 5,000 euros, depending on the chosen ceremony, the shipping company and the place of burial.

Is burial at sea permitted in Germany?

Yes, sea burials are permitted by law in Germany, but require cremation and official approval.

How long does it take after death until burial at sea?

After cremation, it usually takes time a few days to a few weeksuntil burial can take place at sea.

Who is allowed to have a sea burial?

In principle, anyone can choose a burial at sea, provided that cremation takes place and there is a declaration of intent from the deceased or relatives.

What happens to the ashes after burial at sea?

The urn dissolves in water and the ash is naturally absorbed by the sea, making the deceased part of the eternal cycle.

What clothes do you wear at a sea burial?

There are no fixed rules, but discreet clothing appropriate to the occasion, often in dark or maritime shades, is common.