Burial at Sea San Diego

A Thoughtful Farewell Begins on Shore

You handle the gathering — we handle the rest. Whether you bring flowers, a favorite bottle, or a family recipe, JADA welcomes it all. Our crew's trusted recommendations below.

A few things to know before you arrive:

Soft-sided coolers and bags stow better than hard-shell coolers on deck.
Wine, sparkling water, or a beverage meaningful to your family travels well in cans or screw-tops — though corked bottles are fine, we have a corkscrew.
Simple finger foods and platters are easy to serve on deck and on the return leg.
Arrive 30 minutes before departure so the crew can help you stow provisions and get settled.
Ice is always provided — no need to bring your own.

Flowers, Wreaths & Tributes

Flowers are welcome aboard JADA. Loose petals, bouquets, and wreaths may be scattered at sea. Per EPA regulations, all materials placed in the ocean must be biodegradable — no plastic netting, wire, foam, synthetic ribbon, or non-natural materials. When ordering, tell your florist: "This is for a burial at sea. All materials must be 100% biodegradable — no wire, no plastic, no foam, no synthetic ribbon." The vendors below know the rules.

EPA Rule EPA guidelines (40 CFR Part 229) require all materials scattered at sea to be biodegradable and free of plastic, synthetic materials, and non-natural preservatives. Flowers must be unwrapped — no cellophane, no plastic foam, no wire stems. Natural twine, burlap, and paper ribbon are fine.

SD Flower Market (Showroom 32)

Downtown San Diego

San Diego's premier wholesale and retail flower market. Open to the public — stunning selection at excellent prices.

Best source for loose petals and natural flower heads by the bunch. Staff understand memorial needs — mention "burial at sea" and they'll guide you to biodegradable options.

Forget Me Not Flowers & Gifts

San Diego

Local florist experienced with memorial and sympathy arrangements. Familiar with biodegradable requirements for maritime services.

Mention "burial at sea" when ordering — they know to use 100% natural materials, no wire or plastic.

Cloak & Petal

Little Italy, Downtown SD

Beautiful flower arrangements and meaningful gifting. Their loose-stem and single-variety bunches are well-suited for scattering.

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Request a "scatter arrangement" — loose, unwrapped blooms in natural stems only.

Trader Joe's

Multiple SD locations

Fresh-cut flowers and seasonal bouquets at excellent prices. A simple, beautiful way to honor the occasion.

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Remove all plastic wrapping, rubber bands, and any foam inserts before bringing flowers aboard. Natural stems and petals are fine to scatter.

Whole Foods Market (Floral)

Multiple SD locations

Fresh floral department with pre-arranged bouquets and loose stems. Convenient for last-minute flowers.

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Ask the floral department to remove all plastic packaging and wire. Request natural-stem-only bunches for scattering.

Bloom Box SD

San Diego — same-day delivery available

Modern flower boutique with same-day and next-day delivery. Good for bouquets and memorial arrangements.

When ordering, specify: no wire, no foam, no synthetic ribbon — for a burial at sea service.

Provisions & Comfort Foods

Comforting, shareable provisions for the family.

Venissimo Cheese

North Park · Del Mar

San Diego's best artisan cheese shop. Pre-assembled boards available with 24-hour notice. Staff will tailor selections to your group size.

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Call ahead for custom boards

Whole Foods Market

Multiple SD locations

Grab-and-go charcuterie trays, fruit platters, dips, olives, and party-ready provisions. No notice needed.

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Check store hours — best selection in the morning

Trader Joe's

Multiple SD locations

Unbeatable value on cheeses, cured meats, crackers, nuts, and snacks. JADA's crew's go-to for stocking a galley.

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Frozen appetizers heat up at home and travel well

Bristol Farms

Mission Hills

Premium gourmet market. Excellent prepared foods, specialty cheeses, and imported provisions.

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Bakeries & Comfort Sweets

A shared sweet is a shared memory.

Extraordinary Desserts

Little Italy · Hillcrest

San Diego's most celebrated dessert destination. Stunning custom cakes, pastries, and champagne pairings. Order well in advance for custom work.

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Custom cakes: 72-hour advance notice minimum

Bread & Cie

Hillcrest

Artisan breads, pastries, and specialty baked goods. A San Diego institution since 1994.

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The Cravory

Multiple SD locations · ships nationwide

Creative custom cookies — perfect for party favors, personalized names, or a sweet send-off.

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Wine & Beverages

A toast to a life well lived. JADA has no corkage fee.

Total Wine & More

Mission Valley · Kearny Mesa · Chula Vista

San Diego's largest selection of wine, champagne, spirits, and beer. Excellent value and knowledgeable staff.

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Free ship-to-store in 2 hours for online orders

Wine Steals

South Park · Ocean Beach · Point Loma · Hillcrest

Curated neighborhood wine shops with excellent value picks. Staff recommendations are reliably good.

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Trader Joe's

Multiple SD locations

Reliable Champagne, Cava, and Prosecco at outstanding prices. Their Two-Buck Chuck travels better than it should.

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BevMo!

Mission Valley · National City · El Cajon

Full liquor store selection, party ice, mixers, and non-alcoholic options. Convenient for large orders.

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Catering & Reception

For the reception at home or the gathering before or after — these vendors serve San Diego families well.

Costco

Mission Valley · Poway · Chula Vista

Unbeatable for large-group provisions: shrimp cocktail rings, rotisserie chicken, fruit trays, and ready-to-serve platters. Great value.

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Membership required; platters serve 15–30 guests

Harney Sushi

Hillcrest · Old Town

Popular SD sushi restaurant with party platters available for pickup. Great quality and presentation.

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Party platters with advance notice

Pokéworks

Multiple SD locations

Fresh poke bowls for groups — light, easy to handle on a boat, no utensils needed.

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Specialty Provisions

Special occasions call for something thoughtful.

Cloak & Petal

Little Italy, Downtown SD

A stunning floral and Japanese fusion restaurant — their take-out arrangements and sushi boxes make for an unforgettable boat spread.

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Lazy Acres Natural Market

Point Loma / Mission Hills

Organic, specialty, and prepared foods. Great hot bar and deli for ready-to-eat provisions.

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