5 Modern Water Urns for Ashes

Pictured: Shell Biodegradable Water Urns for Ashes in Aqua Blue

A water burial is one of the gentlest ways to say goodbye, returning a loved one to the sea, a lake or a river. The urn rests on the surface for a short while, then sinks and breaks down, releasing the ashes into the water. Here are five modern biodegradable water urns we currently sell, with what each is made of, how much it holds and how it behaves on the water.

Quick answer: A water burial urn, sometimes called a water-soluble or dissolving urn, is made from material that breaks down in water, such as plant-based material, a blend of sand and natural gelatin, or rock salt. Placed on the water, it breaks down or dissolves and releases the ashes. Some float for a short while first. The five below are the Journey, Shell, Oceane Quartz, Oceane Sand and Himalayan Rock Salt urns. Check the rules for the water you have chosen before the day. They differ between the UK and the US, and between the sea and inland water.

What is a water burial?

A water burial is an alternative to keeping or scattering ashes. The ashes go into the water inside an urn that is made to break down there. A biodegradable water urn holds the ashes, then breaks down naturally once it is placed on the water. Most float briefly and then sink. The five urns here close without glue and hold the ashes in a biodegradable bag. Each has a certificate of biodegradability available to view.

The Journey Water Urn

Our Journey Urn is made from plant-based material and is designed to float for a short time, then sink gently and break down. It weighs about 0.23 kg (half a pound) empty, so it is easy to carry if you are traveling to a special place. The adult size holds 3.61 liters (about 220 cubic inches), and it comes in more than twenty colors and patterns.

Pictured: Journey Biodegradable Water Urn for Ashes in Aqua - Adult

The Shell Water Urn

The Shell Water Urn is shaped like an open scallop shell, a fitting form for the sea. This is a companion urn. It holds 6.55 liters (about 400 cubic inches), which is enough for two sets of ashes, for two people who wished to be released together. Molded by hand from plant-based biodegradable material, it floats for a short while, then sinks and breaks down. The colors are aqua blue, coral pink, pearl and sand. A beautiful choice for anyone who loved the coast.

Pictured: Shell Biodegradable Water Urns for Ashes in Coral Pink

The Oceane Quartz Water Urn

The Oceane Quartz Urn has a rounded form, hand-painted and finished with real crushed quartz, so it catches the light with a subtle sparkle. Oceane urns are formed from a blend of sand and natural gelatin, which dissolves gradually in water. Small holes in the base let water in quickly, so the urn floats only briefly before sinking. It holds 3.28 liters (about 200 cubic inches).

Pictured: Oceane Round Quartz Biodegradable Water Urn for Ashes - Adult

The Oceane Sand Water Urn

The Oceane Sand Urn shares the same rounded form and the same body of sand and gelatin. It is textured with real beach sand, so it blends with a beach or riverside setting. Like its quartz counterpart, it has holes in the base, floats only briefly and dissolves gradually in the water. It also holds 3.28 liters. You can see every finish and size in our Oceane water urns collection.

The Himalayan Rock Salt Water Urn

Our Himalayan Rock Salt Urn is carved by hand from natural Himalayan rock salt, a mineral formed over millions of years. Kept dry, it can be displayed at home before the ceremony. Placed on the water, it dissolves fully within about four hours, releasing the ashes gently. The adult size holds 3.31 liters (about 202 cubic inches).

Pictured: Himalayan Rock Salt Biodegradable Water Urn for Ashes - Adult

How to hold a water burial

You can release the urn from a boat, a pier, or the water's edge. Lower it gently onto the water. The rules depend on where you are:

• UK, at sea. The Marine Management Organisation says: "You don't need a licence or permission to scatter ashes at sea after a cremation" (Marine Management Organisation on GOV.UK, How to arrange a burial at sea in the UK marine area, last updated 25 March 2026). That sentence is about scattering, and the page does not mention urns.
• UK, rivers and lakes. As one example, the Lake District National Park Authority says: "For inland rivers or lakes contact the local Environment Agency to check there is no nearby water supply" (Lake District National Park Authority, Memorials and scattering ashes, read 13 October 2026). It also asks people to avoid places where others may be swimming, fishing or boating.
• United States, at sea. The Environmental Protection Agency says: "Cremated remains shall be buried in or on ocean waters of any depth provided that such burial takes place at least three nautical miles from land." It also says: "You must notify the EPA of the burial at sea within 30 days following the event." Where the ashes go into the sea in a container, it says: "The container must not contain plastic of any kind, float, or otherwise contribute to marine debris" (EPA, Burial at Sea, last updated 26 August 2026). Several urns in this guide float for a short while before they sink, so read the EPA page before you choose one for a sea burial in US waters.
• United States, lakes and rivers. The same EPA page says: "Scattering of cremated remains in lakes, rivers, or other inland waters is not subject to federal regulation under the MPRSA." It adds that states may have their own requirements, so ask your state first.

For a fuller walk-through, see our guide on how to scatter ashes, and for every option in one place, our hub on what to do with ashes after cremation. Our guide on how long biodegradable urns last covers urns for burial in the ground as well. Many families keep a small portion back in a keepsake urn before the burial.

Frequently asked questions

What is a water burial urn made of?

Material that breaks down in water. Of the five here, the Journey and the Shell are plant-based, the Oceane Quartz and Oceane Sand are a blend of sand and natural gelatin, and the Himalayan Rock Salt urn is carved from rock salt. They hold the ashes securely when dry, then dissolve or break down once placed in water.

How long does a water burial urn take to sink?

It depends on the urn. The Journey and the Shell float for a short while before sinking. Oceane urns have holes in the base that let water in quickly, so they float only briefly, and the Himalayan Rock Salt urn dissolves fully within about four hours.

Do you need permission for a water burial?

It depends on the water. For the sea around the UK, the Marine Management Organisation says: "You don't need a licence or permission to scatter ashes at sea after a cremation" (Marine Management Organisation on GOV.UK, How to arrange a burial at sea in the UK marine area, last updated 25 March 2026). In US ocean waters the burial must take place at least three nautical miles from land and be reported to the EPA within 30 days (EPA, Burial at Sea, last updated 26 August 2026). Rules for rivers and lakes vary, so check locally first.

Can I travel with a water burial urn?

Yes. The Journey urn weighs about 0.23 kg empty, so it is easy to carry. Airlines and countries set their own rules for carrying ashes, so read our guide to flying with ashes before you book.