FAQ

A: On our “attended” burial at sea, we supply.

• Cooler with ice
• Bottled water

We advise you to bring your preferred drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and possibly a towel. It's also wise to pack a waterproof jacket or poncho, as the weather in the Keys can be unpredictable.

Important Reminder: To prevent damage and staining, the following items are not allowed on the boat: red wine, hard liquor, tanning oils, aerosol sunscreens, and smoking. You may apply spray sunscreen before boarding at the dock.

A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your own refreshments! We provide a cooler stocked with ice and bottled water. Feel free to add any additional items you'd like just keep in mind our cooler space is somewhat limited.

Please avoid bringing hard liquor, glass bottles, or red wine. While enjoying adult beverages is permitted, excessive consumption leading to intoxication is a safety hazard for everyone on board and is not allowed.

Be aware that if anyone is visibly intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, or if any illegal substances are discovered on board—including THC products, regardless of prescription—the individual will not be allowed on the vessel, and the trip will be cancelled immediately without a refund.

A: On this private vessel, we enforce a zero tolerance policy for weapons. We do not permit firearms, illegal substances, or cannabis/THC on the vessel.

Should any prohibited items, such as firearms, illegal substances, or products containing THC be found, the individuals involved will not be permitted to board until these items are secured in their vehicle. If such items are discovered after the trip has commenced, we will terminate the voyage immediately without any refunds. Depending on the situation's severity, disembarkation may not occur at the original departure point but at the nearest safe location, and law enforcement may be involved.

We are committed to ensuring that all voyages are executed with utmost professionalism and safety, especially when alcohol is present. We thank you for your cooperation.

A: While we recognize the conflict between state and federal laws—with THC products legally prescribed for medicinal use in Florida—federal regulations govern our operations on the water. Under federal law, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, indicating high potential for abuse with no recognized medical benefits. Consequently, on all navigable U.S. waters, the possession of cannabis is illegal, regardless of state laws permitting its use.

Our vessel must comply with these federal laws, which means no passenger, crew member, or captain may bring or use marijuana aboard, even if it is legally prescribed. You are welcome to bring any other necessary medications for your trip, but we ask that you leave any THC-containing substances securely stored in your vehicle.

Additionally, we maintain a strict policy regarding intoxication: anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol or found carrying illegal drugs—including THC products, whether prescribed or not—will not be allowed on board. If such substances are discovered or if excessive consumption is determined, the voyage will be halted immediately, and no refund will be issued.

A: We do not currently require a deposit for damages incurred while on the boat. However, while sailing, should something get damaged or break due to negligence or disobeying one of the aforementioned rules, you may be charged accordingly.

A: If we cancel a trip due to adverse weather, mechanical failures, or other unforeseen events, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule for a future date. We strive to resolve such issues amicably and ensure that all parties are satisfied with the outcome.

However, refunds will not be issued for cancellations made by the customer without adequate notice, no-shows, or if a customer requests to return early during an ongoing trip. Additionally, if the trip is terminated early by the captain due to misconduct, intoxication, severe safety breaches, illegal activities, harassment, or any actions that jeopardize the safety of the vessel, crew, or other passengers, no refund will be provided.

A: Weather in the Keys can be unpredictable, often changing within hours, which can impact your scheduled charter.

Our policy is to avoid sailing in rain or during a small craft advisory. We do not set sail if current conditions are rainy or stormy or if such weather is predicted soon in the latest forecasts.

Cancellation decisions are typically made 1-2 hours before the planned departure. We encourage you to contact us before setting out to our dock. If conditions prevent departure, you can reschedule for another date or opt for a full refund. We also offer flexibility to adjust departure times on the day to dodge poor weather.

In case the trip begins but weather conditions worsen, making it unsafe or uncomfortable, and both you and the captain decide to return early, we refund the unused portion of the trip at a prorated hourly rate.

Since brief rain showers are common, carrying a lightweight poncho is advisable for unexpected weather changes.

A: If the decedent was a U.S. Military Veteran, Police Officer, or Career Firefighter, we offer an ‘Unattended’ burial at sea for FREE. This is a $250 savings. Please advise us when booking and submit proof of service.

A: While tipping is entirely optional, showing gratitude through a tip for the Captain's effort is greatly appreciated. A typical tip in the boating industry ranges from 15% to 20% of the total trip cost and is highly appreciated by our team.

A: We advise all guests to be at the boat at least 15 minutes before the set departure time. This allows ample time to load any gear, stock the cooler, and get you comfortable aboard the boat. Should any delays arise, please inform the captain immediately at (305) 504-4648 to avoid potential cancellation of your charter. If a group fails to arrive on time without notifying us, Florida Keys Burial At Sea, LLC, reserves the right to cancel the trip. The charter officially begins at the scheduled departure time and includes the duration of docking and travel. Late arrivals without prior notification may lead to the forfeiture of the deposit, and delay beyond the departure time will result in lost charter time.

A: Please arrive at the boat 15 minutes early. If unexpected delays occur, contact Captain Josh immediately at (305) 504-4648 to communicate your situation and prevent cancellation. Florida Keys Burial At Sea, LLC has the authority to cancel the charter if guests do not arrive within a reasonable timeframe. Remember, the charter starts at the predetermined time, encompassing all aspects of the journey, including docking and travel. Failing to arrive on time without prior communication will result in the loss of your deposit, and arriving late at the dock means you will lose precious time from your scheduled charter.

A: No, however, there will be a bathroom available at the dock of our physical address. As a reminder, our 'Attended' Burial at Sea services last a duration of 2 hours. This includes approximately a 45 minute ride from our dock to the desired location, approximately 30 minutes of service or personal time, and approximately another 45 minutes to return from our location back to the dock.

A: While we often recommend going barefoot for the best boating experience, it is mandatory for all passengers to wear appropriate footwear. Acceptable options include non-marking, soft-soled tennis shoes, deck shoes, or sandals. Please avoid wearing hard shoes, boots, high heels, wedges, or stilettos, as they are not permitted aboard. Note that the captain may ask a guest to remove shoes if they are not deemed suitable, and remember that the deck can be slippery.

A: Our dock, where the boat is located, is at our physical address. This is where you will meet us for an 'Attended' burial at sea service. The address is 423 Sombrero Beach Rd. #5 Marathon, FL 33050. The only time our mailing address is prevalent is when you are mailing your loved one's cremated remains, prior to an 'Unattended' burial at sea service. Our mailing address is 14720 SW 20 Street Davie, FL 33325. Please remember to click on the link located on our 'Services' page for the instructions on mailing cremated remains via the USPS.