Lake burial ceremonies
A private farewell on Lake Michigan for cremated remains.
When a family needs quiet water and time to say goodbye, Joys of Nature offers a private ash-scattering charter on Lake Michigan aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — small group, respectful pace, and a location chosen for calm and privacy.
Private and unhurried
A small-group charter keeps the farewell personal — up to six guests aboard a stable 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon, with room for quiet and remembrance.
Location chosen with care
Captain Ken selects a respectful Lake Michigan location based on weather, traffic, and distance from busy beaches and launches when conditions allow.
Clear expectations
Cremated remains only, biodegradable materials preferred, and families remain responsible for funeral-home and local requirements. This page is not legal advice.
Local charter guide
Built for people searching for the right water, not just any boat.
These pages help visitors compare the real experience: where the trip can happen, who it is best for, what to expect, and how Joys of Nature keeps private charters personal across Southwest Michigan.
What the ceremony is
This offering is a private charter for scattering cremated human remains (ashes only) on Lake Michigan in Southwest Michigan. It is not a full-body or non-cremated burial service. Families come aboard with a small group — typically up to six guests — and Captain Ken provides a calm, unhurried setting for a personal farewell on the water.
What is included
Your charter includes private use of the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon, time on the water at $115 per hour with a three-hour minimum, and Captain Ken’s guidance on timing and location. He selects a respectful place based on weather, boat traffic, and distance from swimming beaches, crowded shorelines, and boat launches when conditions allow. The pace stays flexible so your family can take the moment as it comes.
Your family’s role
Families remain responsible for any funeral-home arrangements, transport of cremated remains, and local requirements that may apply. Joys of Nature provides the private boat and a thoughtful water setting; we do not replace funeral directors or legal counsel. The content on this page is informational and is not legal advice.
Guidelines for ash scattering on inland waters
Cremated remains only — fully disperse ashes rather than leaving them piled or buried in a heap. Prefer loose scattering or fully biodegradable containers; do not leave plastic or metal in the water. Flowers or wreaths should be readily biodegradable, with no plastic or synthetic materials. Stay away from swimming beaches, crowded shorelines, and boat launches when conditions allow. The EPA’s MPRSA general permit for burial at sea (40 CFR 229.1) applies to ocean waters only; scattering cremated remains in lakes, rivers, and inland waters — including the Great Lakes — is not regulated under that ocean permit, so the ocean-only 3-nautical-mile rule and the 30-day EPA Burial at Sea report do not apply to Lake Michigan. Michigan has no clear statewide statute banning ash scattering on Great Lakes water, though local rules may still apply; contact state environmental, health, or mortuary authorities as needed. For ocean-water rules context, see the EPA burial-at-sea page at https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea — remembering that Great Lakes waters are not ocean waters under that MPRSA permit. This ceremony is framed for human cremated remains only.
Related experiences
Choose the trip that fits the day.
Fishing Charters
A relaxed, guided Southwest Michigan fishing charter aboard a 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon with gear included and local water knowledge leading the route.
3+ hours - 1-6 guests - $115/hr
September Salmon Charters
Mid-September salmon fishing near St. Joseph and Lake Michigan aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — gear included, private group, local timing for the fall bite.
3+ hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Sunset Cruises
A private St. Joseph area sunset cruise on a comfortable 24-foot tritoon with golden-hour water, shoreline views, and an easy pace.
3+ hours - 2-6 guests - $115/hr
Family Nature Tours
An approachable 24-foot tritoon boat tour for kids, first-timers, families, wildlife watching, and quiet Southwest Michigan water.
3+ hours - 1-6 guests - $115/hr
Private Events
Private 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon charters for anniversaries, visiting family, small celebrations, and custom water days.
3+ hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Lake Burial Ceremonies
A private ash-scattering farewell on Lake Michigan aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — quiet water, a small group, and time to say goodbye at a respectful pace.
3+ hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Photography Excursions
Photo-friendly tritoon trips for sunset light, wildlife moments, catches, shoreline texture, and outdoor portraits.
3+ hours - 1-4 guests - $115/hr
St. Joseph River Nature Charters
A private nature charter on the St. Joseph River aboard the 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon — wildlife, quiet water, and an easy pace for families and small groups.
4 hours - Up to 6 - $115/hr
Custom Trips
A custom private charter on a 24-foot Angler Quest tritoon, shaped around weather, guest comfort, and the kind of day your group wants.
3+ hours - 1-6 guests - $115/hr
Is this for cremated remains only?
Yes. Lake burial ceremonies with Joys of Nature are for scattering cremated human remains (ashes) only. We do not offer full-body or non-cremated burial on Lake Michigan.
Do EPA ocean burial-at-sea rules apply to Lake Michigan?
No. The EPA MPRSA general permit for burial at sea applies to ocean waters only. Scattering ashes in lakes and inland waters, including the Great Lakes, is not covered by that ocean permit, so the 3-nautical-mile ocean rule and the 30-day EPA Burial at Sea report do not apply here. States may have inland-water requirements; families should check local authorities as needed. See https://www.epa.gov/marine-protection-permitting/burial-sea for ocean-rules context.
What should we bring for the ceremony?
Bring the cremated remains in a form ready for loose scattering or in a fully biodegradable container. If you wish to release flowers or a wreath, choose readily biodegradable materials only — no plastic or metal left in the water. Dress for the weather, and bring anything personal that helps your family mark the moment. Captain Ken confirms launch and timing details before departure.
How much does a lake burial ceremony cost?
The charter rate is $115 per hour with a three-hour minimum, the same as other private Joys of Nature experiences. Captain Ken confirms expected timing and total before the trip is finalized.
How do we request a date?
Use the booking request form, call, or text Joys of Nature. Mention that you are planning a lake burial or ash-scattering ceremony so Captain Ken can discuss timing, group size, and a respectful location plan.