Ashes Into Reef Balls: How Memorial Reefs Work and Cost

A memorial reef, sometimes called an eternal reef, is a hollow concrete reef ball that contains cremated remains and is placed on the ocean floor to become habitat for fish and other marine life. Eternal Reefs, the best-known US provider, lists prices from $4,250 to $9,250 depending on the reef size and whether your family attends. The process runs over four days at scheduled projects, mostly off Florida.

It is a permanent option. Once a reef is placed, it stays there, so it suits families who are comfortable with that and who love the water.

What is a memorial reef?

A reef ball is an artificial reef module with a round, hollow, vented shape. Reef Ball, the company behind the design, says more than 80 percent of its weight sits in the lower part, which keeps it stable, and that its concrete formula has a neutral pH. It reports more than 750,000 reef balls deployed in more than 70 countries. These are the company's own figures.

In a memorial reef, the cremated remains are mixed into concrete to form a centerpiece, which Eternal Reefs calls a "pearl." The pearl goes inside the reef ball. Eternal Reefs says more than 2,500 of its reefs had been placed at about 25 locations as of 2023. Sites are off Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

How does the process work?

Eternal Reefs describes a four-day program. Dates are set by the project, so you join a scheduled project rather than picking your own day.

1. Casting (day 1). Families gather at the casting site. Staff bring a pre-cast reef ball, and family members can mix the remains into the concrete to form the pearl. If you would rather not, staff can do it. Afterward, families decorate the top of the reef with handprints, messages and small environmentally safe keepsakes.
2. Staff work day (day 2). Staff secure the pearl and finish the memorials.
3. Viewing (day 3). Families see the finished reefs, make rubbings of the bronze plaque and write tributes. Eligible veterans receive military honors, including a flag presentation, at this ceremony. Eternal Reefs asks for the veteran's DD-214 by the order cut-off.
4. Ocean placement and dedication (day 4). Families can ride charter boats to watch the reefs lowered to the seafloor as names are read. The boat is a separate per-person charge. Eternal Reefs lists $80 per person, regardless of age, on its "what to expect" page, with boat reservations paid two weeks before casting.

You can skip the boat. The unattended program places the reef without the family present and costs $1,000 less for each size.

How much does a memorial reef cost?

These are Eternal Reefs' listed prices as of September 2026. Prices and sizes change, so confirm them with the provider.

The price covers the reef, a bronze plaque, casting the remains into the reef, transport, ocean placement, a GPS survey and two memorial certificates. The family's boat is the only cost not included. The Mariner is offered only at Sarasota projects.

For comparison, our guide to cremation costs by state shows what the cremation itself adds.

Are memorial reefs legal, and who permits them?

Yes, when placed through a permitted project. Federal law has the Secretary of the Army issue permits for building and managing artificial reefs, and the permit sets the design, location and materials allowed (33 U.S.C. 2104). Eternal Reefs says all its sites require federal, state and local permits, and that its reefs are in public waters open to diving and recreation.

This is different from scattering at sea. The EPA's burial-at-sea general permit allows cremated remains to be buried at least three nautical miles from land, with a report to the EPA within 30 days. The EPA says it does not cover incorporating remains into artificial reef structures, and it does not allow pet remains. A reef ball is placed under reef permits instead.

Permits also expire, and Eternal Reefs says it cannot guarantee a specific location far in advance for that reason.

Can you visit the reef?

Yes. You receive GPS coordinates, and the sites are open for fishing, diving and other recreation. Plan on a boat, or a dive, to reach it. Because it is public water, you do not own the spot and cannot restrict others from using it.

Eternal Reefs says reefs are not retrieved, because moving one would defeat its purpose of improving the ecosystem.

What do the environmental claims rest on?

Reef Ball says fish begin moving onto newly placed reef balls almost immediately, and that growth can be visible in a few weeks depending on water conditions. Those are the manufacturer's statements. Results depend on the site, water quality and depth.

Also keep in mind that a reef is permanent concrete placed in the ocean. It is a reasonable choice if restoring habitat matters to you, but it is not a substitute for checking how the project is permitted and maintained. For other options compare our guides to eco-friendly cremation and tree burial and tree pods.

Can veterans and pets be included?

Eligible veterans receive military honors at the viewing, according to Eternal Reefs. Its On Eternal Patrol Memorial Reef, in 45 feet of water about nine miles off Sarasota's Big Pass, is a set of 67 reef balls honoring American submarines lost at sea, completed in November 2019. A separate idea called Arlington of the Sea, a reef laid out like a national cemetery, was still described as a concept when checked in September 2026. For veterans' cemetery options, see veteran cremation benefits.

Eternal Reefs says pet remains can be included with family members at no additional cost.

Is it right for your family?

A memorial reef works best when you have time. The order cut-off is about seven weeks before the ocean placement. For example, the Eternal Reefs 2026 schedule listed an August 24 cut-off for a Sarasota project placed on October 12 (marked full), August 31 for Miami and Fort Lauderdale placed on October 19, and September 14 for a second Sarasota project placed on November 2. Bookings are tentative until confirmed in writing, and dates change each year, so check the current schedule.

It is also not for people who want the ashes nearby. If family members disagree, you can use part of the remains for the reef and keep the rest. See dividing ashes among family, what to do with ashes and scattering ashes at sea.

What to do next

1. Ask the provider for the next scheduled project near you, the cut-off date and the full price in writing.
2. Confirm what is included, who handles the remains, and what the boat costs.
3. Decide how much of the ashes to use, and who else in the family should agree before you sign.
4. If you are planning your own arrangements, write the choice in your funeral wishes so your family knows.