Florida Gulf Discovery provides professional and compassionate Burial at Sea services in Southwest Florida, serving families in Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. We specialize in EPA-compliant ash scattering ceremonies in the Gulf of Mexico, offering private and dignified memorial charters throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee Counties.

We proudly serve the counties of:

• • Manatee County
  • Sarasota County
  • Charlotte County
  • Lee County

A burial at sea offers a peaceful and meaningful way to honor your loved one, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gulf of America. Our private charter allows family and close friends to gather on the water for a dignified ash scattering ceremony conducted in full compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

We are committed to providing a respectful, safe, and memorable experience during this important time.

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What Is a Burial at Sea?

A burial at sea in Southwest Florida involves the scattering of cremated remains in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Under federal EPA guidelines, cremated remains must be scattered at least three nautical miles offshore. Our licensed captain navigates to the appropriate offshore location to ensure full legal compliance.

Families choose burial at sea because it offers:

• • A peaceful natural setting
  • A private and intimate ceremony
  • A meaningful alternative to traditional burial
  • A lasting connection to the Gulf waters

Whether you prefer a quiet moment of reflection or a structured memorial with readings, prayers, or music, we help you create a ceremony that reflects your loved one’s life and legacy.

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Burial at Sea Policy & EPA Legal Requirements

Florida Gulf Discovery operates in accordance with all federal and state regulations regarding ash scattering at sea in Florida.

EPA requirements include:

• • Cremated remains must be scattered at least 3 nautical miles from shore
  • Only biodegradable materials (such as loose flowers) may be placed in the water
  • The burial must be reported to the EPA within 30 days
  • Non-cremated remains require special permits (most families choose cremation)

We document the exact GPS coordinates of the scattering location and provide them to the family as a permanent memorial reference upon request.

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Responsibilities: Funeral Home, Captain & Family

Arranging a Burial at Sea charter in Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding areas involves coordination between the funeral home, the captain, and the family.

Funeral Home Responsibilities

The funeral home handles:

• • Cremation services
  • Filing the death certificate
  • Preparing the cremated remains
  • Providing a temporary container or urn
  • Assisting with required documentation

Local funeral homes offering cremation services in Southwest Florida include:

• • Farley Funeral Homes (Venice)
  • Lemon Bay Funeral Home (Englewood)
  • Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes (Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda)
  • Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral & Cremation Services (Fort Myers)
  • Coral Ridge Funeral Home (Cape Coral)
  • Hodges Funeral Home (Naples)
  • Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home (Bonita Springs)

Families typically arrange cremation first and then schedule the burial at sea charter.

Captain’s Responsibilities

The captain of Florida Gulf Discovery is responsible for:

• • Safe navigation to the offshore burial location
  • Ensuring EPA compliance
  • Monitoring weather and sea conditions
  • Providing a stable and safe vessel
  • Documenting GPS coordinates
  • Maintaining a respectful environment during the ceremony

Safety, professionalism, and compassion are always our highest priorities.

Family’s Role

Family members are encouraged to personalize the ceremony by:

• • Reading scripture, poetry, or personal tributes
  • Playing meaningful music
  • Bringing biodegradable flowers
  • Sharing memories and reflections
  • Observing a moment of silence

We work with you to create a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful.

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What to Expect on the Day of the Charter

On the day of your Southwest Florida Burial at Sea ceremony, your family will meet at the designated marina location. After a brief safety orientation, we will depart into the Gulf of America.

Once beyond the required three nautical miles offshore, the vessel will idle and the ceremony may begin. The captain provides assistance as needed while allowing privacy and space for your family.

After the ashes are scattered, many families choose to circle the area once more in tribute before returning to shore.

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Waterfront Restaurants Accessible by Boat for Family Gatherings

Many families gather before or after the ceremony at a waterfront restaurant accessible by boat in Southwest Florida.

Venice & Sarasota Area:

• • Crow’s Nest Marina Restaurant
  • Sharky’s on the Pier (Venice)
  • Pop’s Sunset Grill (Nokomis)

Englewood, Port Charlotte & Punta Gorda:

• • Farlow’s on the Water (Englewood)
  • Laishley Crab House (Punta Gorda)
  • Riviera Bar & Grill (Punta Gorda)

Fort Myers & Cape Coral:

• • Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
  • Dixie Fish Company
  • Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
  • Rumrunners

Naples & Bonita Springs:

• • The Dock at Crayton Cove
  • Pinchers at Tin City
  • Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille

These locations offer dockage and provide a comfortable setting to gather, reflect, and celebrate a life well lived in a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

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Why Choose Florida Gulf Discovery for Burial at Sea?

• • Licensed and experienced captain
  • Private charter experience
  • EPA-compliant ash scattering services
  • Serving Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte & Lee Counties
  • Service areas from Venice to Naples
  • Beautiful Gulf of Amemrica setting
  • Compassionate, professional guidance

We understand this is a deeply personal experience. Our goal is to provide a smooth, respectful, and dignified ceremony that honors your loved one’s memory.

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Schedule a Burial at Sea Charter in Southwest Florida

If you are considering a Burial at Sea in Venice, Englewood, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, or surrounding Southwest Florida communities, contact Florida Gulf Discovery to discuss availability and planning details.

Florida Gulf Discovery
floridagulfdiscovery.com
Serving Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte & Lee Counties

We are honored to help families create a meaningful farewell on the waters of the Gulf of America.