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A Peaceful Farewell: Burials at Sea Aboard the Sorry Charlie

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. For families seeking a serene and meaningful send-off, sea burials offer a poetic and dignified farewell. Aboard the Sorry Charlie, a cherished vessel of Freeport Charter Boats, guests experience more than a simple trip—they embark on a deeply personal journey. Whether you’re organizing an intimate attended ceremony or opting for a non-attended scattering, our team is committed to helping you honor final wishes with compassion, professionalism, and heartfelt care.

CALL TO BOOK: (516) 369-1646

OR CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE

Why Choose a Burial at Sea?

There is something inherently healing about the sea. The rhythmic lapping of the waves, the vast, open horizon, and the gentle sea breeze create a naturally calming atmosphere. Many families are turning to sea burials as an alternative to traditional funerals—not just because of their beauty, but because they symbolize peace, freedom, and eternal rest.

Whether you’re local to Long Island or joining us from another state or country, Freeport Charter Boats ensures your experience is seamless. Our team works diligently to help you create a moment that feels respectful, sacred, and entirely your own. From start to finish, we take pride in helping you honor a life well-lived.

Ceremony Options: Attended vs. Unattended Ash Scattering

We understand that every family has unique needs and wishes. That’s why Freeport Charter Boats offers two distinct options for sea burials:

1. Ceremonial (Attended) Ash Scattering

This option allows loved ones to be present during the ceremony, creating space for reflection, connection, and shared remembrance. Families can charter the Sorry Charlie for smaller, private gatherings or the Freeport Gem for larger celebrations of life. Many choose to include personalized music, spoken tributes, religious ceremonies, or symbolic floral rituals.

Features include:

  • Dedicated yacht charter with U.S. Coast Guard licensed crew

  • Optional celebrant or religious officiant

  • Scenic harbor tours for reflection and photos

  • Biodegradable urns or direct scattering options

  • Professional photography, music, and catering

2. Non-Ceremonial (Unattended) Ash Scattering

If you’re unable to attend, or your loved one wished for a quiet and private farewell, we offer unattended ash scattering services. We coordinate closely with your funeral home to ensure secure transport and respectful handling of the cremains. We’ll scatter ashes in the Atlantic per your request, and provide photo documentation or a summary of the event.

This is an ideal option for clients:

  • Traveling from out-of-state or abroad

  • Seeking minimal planning or contact

  • Wanting a simple, symbolic scattering in accordance with the decedent’s wishes

Personalization and Ceremony Services

We understand that the details matter. That’s why we offer a variety of optional services to help you create a personalized, memorable ceremony. Our sea burial packages may include:

  • Private yacht transportation for family and guests

  • Scenic harbor tours with commemorative photo opportunities

  • EPA-approved biodegradable urns or direct scattering solutions

  • Floral tributes: rose petals, shells, biodegradable wreaths

  • Custom catering packages with beverage service and full bar options

  • Onboard music via Bluetooth audio system or live performers

  • Photography packages, photo albums, and digital archives

  • Optional celebrant or religious officiant for spiritual guidance

Whether you’re planning a quiet farewell or a celebratory life tribute, we work with you to customize the experience.

Meet the Vessels: The Sorry Charlie and Freeport Gem

Sorry Charlie – For Intimate Gatherings

Aboard the Sorry Charlie, you’ll find a warm and intimate environment perfect for private gatherings of up to 6 guests. Click here to learn more about the Sorry Charlie. The vessel is fully equipped for comfort, offering:

  • U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain

  • Coast Guard Safety Gear and Life Rafts

  • Sleeping accommodations and restrooms

  • Air conditioning and heating

  • Microwave, running water, and Sirius/XM Radio

  • 300-mile range for versatile route options

CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE SORRY CHARLIE!

Seasonal Pricing:

  • 2-hour ash scattering trip: $450 (up to 6 passengers)

  • Gratuity: $50 recommended

This vessel is ideal for:

  • Small families or couples

  • Quiet, personal farewells

  • Quick-turnaround arrangements

Freeport Gem – For Larger Groups

For larger memorials and celebrations of life, the Freeport Gem offers a luxurious and spacious venue. This yacht is fully certified, insured, and Coast Guard inspected to accommodate over 100 guests. Click here to learn more about the Freeport Gem.

Features include:

  • Dual decks (upper and lower) with full sound systems

  • Dual 42” presentation TVs (for photo/video tributes)

  • Large catering galley for food and beverage setups

  • Heating, A/C, Sirius/XM, and advanced safety gear

  • Accommodations for up to 130 guests

CLICK HERE TO BOOK THE FREEPORT GEM!

Seasonal Pricing:

  • Weekdays (In-Season): $1,500 for 30 guests; $15/person thereafter

  • Weekdays (Off-Season): $1,250 for 30 guests; $15/person thereafter

  • Weekends Before 4PM: $1,500 for 30 guests; +20% gratuity

  • Weekends After 4PM: $1,800 for 30 guests; +20% gratuity

This vessel is ideal for:

  • Larger extended families and friends

  • Religious or spiritual services

  • Catering, bar, and multimedia presentations

Working With Funeral Homes and Out-of-State Clients

We simplify the process during a complex and emotional time. Our staff will work directly with your funeral director to coordinate the safe and timely transfer of cremains. Whether you plan to attend or prefer a remote arrangement, we guide you every step of the way—from required documents to shipment tracking and urn selection.

For clients joining us from outside New York:

  • Cremains can be shipped safely via USPS with required documentation

  • We can coordinate timing with your availability or preferred date

  • We offer remote consultations for planning every detail from afar

Planning ahead? We welcome pre-arrangements and advance bookings for those wishing to prepare a sea burial in advance.

Planning Your Memorial: What to Expect

Here’s how to begin:

  1. Contact us to schedule a consultation and check availability.

  2. Choose your vesselSorry Charlie or Freeport Gem – based on group size and desired atmosphere.

  3. Select your ceremony style – attended or unattended.

  4. Coordinate with your funeral home to transfer cremains if needed.

  5. Personalize your service with music, readings, florals, catering, or more.

  6. Review documentation and finalize payment and gratuity guidelines.

Need help navigating paperwork? Our team can walk you through cremains transfer protocols and EPA guidelines for ocean burial.

Why Families Trust Freeport Charter Boats

At Freeport Charter Boats, our goal is simple: to provide families with a respectful, beautiful, and unforgettable experience at sea. With years of experience in ceremonial services, our staff and captains approach every burial with care, compassion, and professionalism.

Our vessels are clean, modern, and safety-certified. Our crew is experienced in both navigation and guest service. We take your needs seriously—and deliver peace of mind at every step.

Whether you need a quiet moment of closure or a meaningful celebration of life, we are honored to support you.

Book Your Sea Burial Ceremony Today

If you are seeking a peaceful, dignified way to say farewell to a loved one, let us help you. Reach out to us for quotes, planning guidance, or availability.

Call Today: (516) 369-1646

At sea, we find peace. Let us guide you there.