Traveling Internationally with Cremated Remains: A 2025 Guide for Families
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Eternal Reefs × Clearview

Honoring Life Through Ocean Restoration

Creating sustainable memorial reefs that honor loved ones and help restore marine life for generations to come.

Living Environmental Memorials for the Benefit of Future Generations

Eternal Reefs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that creates living memorial reefs — permanent tributes that also help restore the ocean. Founded and based in Sarasota, Florida, Eternal Reefs has helped families create and place memorial reefs since 1999.

An Eternal Reef combines what many families love about cremation (simplicity, flexibility, closeness) with a lasting gift to nature: a designed reef made of marine-friendly concrete placed on the ocean floor to support habitat and future ocean health.

how it works

The Journey of Creating a Memorial Reef

Families are invited to take part.
1

Casting

(Day 1)

Families may help mix a small “pearl” of concrete with cremated remains, set it inside the reef form, and personalize the top ring with handprints, messages, and eco-safe mementos (seashells and materials provided). Participation is encouraged but not required.

2

Viewing

(Day 3)

At the viewing, families see and touch the finished memorial, take rubbings of the bronze plaque (materials provided), write final messages, and take photos together. Many families describe this experience as remarkably healing and deeply meaningful.

3

Dedication & Placement

(On the water)

Loved ones ride together on a family boat to the permitted reef site for a brief ceremony; each memorial is announced and witnessed as it’s lowered to rest. A short reading concludes the tributes before returning ashore. (Weather managed with care.)

Afterward, families receive certificates with the GPS coordinates of the memorial reef, making it easy to visit by boat or to simply know the exact resting place forever.
Why Eternal Reefs

Why Families Choose Eternal Reefs

Real Environmental Benefit

Eternal Reefs uses the internationally respected Reef Ball design (pH-balanced, textured surface) to attract marine life and build long-term habitat; these structures are engineered for stability and used worldwide.

Public, Permitted Ocean Sites

Reefs are placed only at properly permitted locations designated for recreational reefs; the process for including cremated remains is EPA-approved.

Nonprofit Mission

Eternal Reefs operates as The Genesis Reef Project dba Eternal Reefs, an approved 501(c)(3) charity; contributions toward a memorial may be tax-deductible (speak with your advisor).

Sarasota Roots, National Reach

Founded and based in Sarasota with scheduled placements in multiple coastal locations (including Sarasota and Miami/Ft. Lauderdale).

locations

Where Placements Happen

Eternal Reefs hosts scheduled projects at permitted sites; Sarasota placements are a signature option (with casting/viewing typically in town and boat departures from local marinas).
For current dates and locations (Sarasota, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Pensacola, and more).
See The Active Schedule
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Ready to Explore an Eternal Reef For Your Family?