Memorials at Sea
Honouring a life deeply loved, with a farewell beautifully remembered.
A farewell as unique as the life being remembered
There is no single right way to say goodbye.
For some, it’s a few heartfelt words, a favourite song and a quiet moment together. For others, it’s laughter, stories and celebrating a life well lived.
Memorials at Sea by Nautical by Nature Mackay offers a peaceful, personal way to honour a loved one, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean.
Aboard Endless Days, our spacious 60-foot catamaran, family and friends can gather in privacy, share treasured memories and say farewell in a way that feels right for them.
With a maximum of just 12 guests, our private memorial experiences provide the time, space and flexibility to create something truly meaningful.
Whether you choose a gentle two-hour farewell at sea or a full day among the beautiful islands of the Mackay region, we’re here to help you make it special.
Ready to create a meaningful farewell?
A personal farewell, your way
Every life is different, and every farewell can be too.
Your memorial may be as simple as gathering together to share a few words, or you may wish to include favourite music, photographs, readings and personal tributes.
Our memorials are family-led, giving you the freedom to create a ceremony that reflects the person you’re remembering.
We’ll take care of the vessel, the practical arrangements and the assisted release of ashes, allowing you to focus on being together.
And once the ceremony is complete, there’s no need to rush away. Enjoy some refreshments, share another story or simply sit quietly and take in the surroundings.
A gentle return to the sea
Our memorial experiences include the assisted release of ashes in an approved biodegradable water urn.
These specially designed urns allow ashes to be returned to the sea in a gentle, dignified manner, without the need for loose scattering.
Our crew will explain the release process beforehand and provide assistance throughout.
A family member may participate in the assisted release, subject to the conditions and safety requirements on the day.
This approach allows families to be part of the farewell while ensuring the ceremony is conducted respectfully and safely.
Our Memorial Experiences
Two-Hour Memorial at Sea
$3,300
Including GST · Up to 12 guests
A peaceful and intimate farewell on the beautiful waters off Mackay.
This private two-hour experience offers a meaningful setting to gather with family and friends, share memories and honour a loved one with the assisted release of their ashes in a biodegradable urn.
Following the ceremony, enjoy time together onboard with light refreshments, surrounded by the ocean.
Your experience includes:
- Exclusive two-hour charter aboard our 60-foot catamaran, Endless Days
- Professional skipper and crew
- Standard biodegradable water urn
- Assisted release of ashes at sea
- Time for personal readings, music and tributes
- Fruit and sweets platter
- Tea, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks
- One memorial keepsake for the family
- Departure and return to Mackay Marina
Available for weekday bookings, subject to weather and vessel availability.
Island Memorial Day
$6,600
Including GST · Up to 12 guests
For families who would like to spend more time together, our Island Memorial Day offers a beautiful opportunity to remember a loved one among the secluded islands of the Mackay region.
Surrounded by turquoise waters, quiet bays and beautiful coastal scenery, spend the day sharing stories, celebrating memories and enjoying each other’s company.
The memorial ceremony and assisted release of ashes can be incorporated into the day, allowing your family to create a farewell that is both personal and unhurried.
Your experience includes:
- Exclusive full-day charter aboard Endless Days
- Professional skipper and crew
- Standard biodegradable water urn
- Assisted release of ashes
- Time for personal readings, music and tributes
- Catering and refreshments throughout the day
- One memorial keepsake for the family
- Departure and return to Mackay Marina
Available for weekday bookings, subject to weather and vessel availability.
Personal touches and additional services
A favourite song, a treasured photograph, a reading that captures someone’s personality or a story that brings a smile.
It’s often the little things that make a farewell especially meaningful.
We welcome families to personalise their memorial with their own music, readings and tributes. We’ll supply the Bluetooth speaker.
For those who would like additional support or special touches, we can also assist with arranging:
Memorial planning and family support
For families who would appreciate additional guidance, professional end-of-life doula services are available to assist with planning, personalising and coordinating a meaningful farewell.
- Two-hour memorial: $1,050
- Island Memorial Day: $1,450
Professional celebrant services
For families who would prefer a professionally led ceremony, we can assist with arranging a celebrant to conduct a personal and meaningful farewell.
Price on enquiry.
Alternative biodegradable urns
A selection of additional styles and designs will be available soon for families who would prefer something different from our standard included urn.
Pricing to be confirmed.
Printed orders of service
Beautifully prepared four-page orders of service, with artwork and typesetting included in the setup.
From $255 for up to 12 copies
Photo memorial slideshow
A personalised photographic presentation celebrating treasured memories and moments.
$465
Custom hardcover memorial book
A beautiful keepsake featuring photographs supplied by the family, with signing pages for guests to leave personal messages.
$195
Additional services are optional and subject to availability. Pricing will be confirmed before arrangements are finalised.
Caring for you and your family
We understand that organising a memorial can feel overwhelming, particularly during an already difficult time.
Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
As a locally owned and operated Mackay business, we pride ourselves on providing thoughtful, personal service and a welcoming environment aboard Endless Days.
We’ll work with you to understand what you have in mind, explain the available options and help you plan a farewell that feels right for your family.
You don’t need to have every detail worked out before contacting us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we bring more than 12 guests?
Endless Days is licensed to carry a maximum of 12 guests aged one year and over. Infants under 12 months do not count towards this limit.
This maximum includes children aged one and over, ministers, celebrants and any other service providers attending the memorial.
Our passenger limit is determined by our vessel’s operating licence and cannot be increased, even by one person. We understand that choosing who attends can be difficult, but unfortunately we’re unable to make exceptions.
Can we personalise the memorial?
Absolutely. We welcome personal music, readings, photographs and meaningful tributes. We’ll discuss your ideas with you beforehand to ensure they can be accommodated safely onboard.
Do we need a celebrant?
No. Our memorial experiences are family-led, allowing you to conduct your own ceremony with readings, music and personal tributes. Our crew will assist with the release of the biodegradable urn. Professional celebrant services can also be arranged if preferred.
Can we arrange a memorial without going through a funeral director?
Yes. Families are welcome to book directly with Nautical by Nature Mackay or make arrangements through their preferred funeral service provider.
Can we bring our own minister or celebrant?
Absolutely. Families are welcome to invite their own minister, celebrant or other person of their choosing to lead the ceremony.
Please note that anyone attending in this capacity is included in our maximum of 12 guests onboard, so they will need to be accounted for when planning your guest list.
Can we scatter loose ashes into the sea?
Our standard memorial experiences use approved biodegradable water urns rather than loose scattering. This allows for a more controlled, respectful and environmentally considerate release.
Can we release flowers or flower petals during the ceremony?
Yes. Families are welcome to include fresh flowers or loose flower petals as part of their farewell. This can be a beautiful and meaningful way for family members to participate in the ceremony. We simply ask that flowers are free from plastic, wire, ribbons or other non-biodegradable materials. Our crew will guide you on when and where they can be released safely.
Can family members participate in the release?
Yes. A family member may be involved in the assisted release, with our crew providing guidance and support. Participation is subject to suitable conditions and safety requirements.
Where do the memorials depart from?
All experiences depart from Mackay Marina.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable?
Your family’s safety and comfort are our priority. If marine conditions are unsuitable, we’ll contact you to discuss rescheduling arrangements.
Can we plan our own memorial in advance?
Of course. We welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to make their wishes known and explore the options available.
Let’s create a meaningful farewell
Whether you’re arranging a memorial for someone you love or planning ahead for yourself, we’re here to help.
We invite you to get in touch, share what you have in mind and explore how we can create a beautiful, personal farewell at sea.
All experiences are subject to suitable weather, marine conditions and operational requirements.