5 Modern Water Urns for Ashes

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 floats for a few moments, then slowly sinks and dissolves, releasing the ashes into the water. Here are five modern biodegradable water urns we currently make, each with its own way of giving a peaceful send-off.

Quick answer: A water burial uses a biodegradable urn made from natural materials such as mulberry bark, salt, sand or plant fibre. Placed on the water, it floats briefly before sinking and dissolving, releasing the ashes without polluting the environment. The five below, the Journey, Shell, Oceane Quartz, Oceane Sand and Himalayan Rock Salt urns, are all current and made specifically for water burial.

What is a water burial?

A water burial is an eco-friendly, affordable alternative to keeping or scattering ashes. A biodegradable water urn holds the ashes, floats gently when placed on the surface, and then sinks and breaks down naturally, becoming one with the water. The urns are designed to do this cleanly, without harming marine life or the environment.

The Journey Water Urn

Our Journey Urn is made from mulberry bark, gathered in a way that leaves the tree to keep growing, then formed into water-soluble paper. Its soft envelope shape is easy to carry if you are travelling to a special location, and it comes in several colors and patterns. Placed on the water, it submerges gently after a couple of minutes.

The Shell Water Urn

The Shell Water Urn is shaped like a clam shell, a fitting form for the sea. It floats briefly on the surface before sinking and dissolving, and comes in soft natural shades. A beautiful choice for anyone who loved the coast.

The Oceane Quartz Water Urn

The Oceane Quartz Urn is a smooth sphere coated in crushed quartz, so it catches the light with a subtle sparkle. The rounded shape is a symbol of wholeness, and it sinks gracefully once placed on the water.

The Oceane Sand Water Urn

The Oceane Sand Urn shares the same gentle spherical form, finished in natural sand tones that blend with a beach or riverside setting. Like its quartz counterpart, it dissolves slowly and naturally in the water.

The Himalayan Rock Salt Water Urn

Our Himalayan Rock Salt Urn is carved entirely from salt drawn from the Himalayan mountains, formed over 250 million years. It stays solid and beautiful when kept dry at home, and once placed in water it sinks and dissolves over a few hours, releasing the ashes gently.

How to hold a water burial

You can release the urn from a boat, a pier, or the water's edge. In the UK no formal permit is needed to scatter or release ashes at sea, though you should keep clear of marinas and water intakes. 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. 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?

Natural, water-soluble materials such as mulberry bark, rock salt, sand or plant fibre. These hold the ashes securely when dry, then dissolve once placed in water, leaving nothing harmful behind.

How long does a water burial urn take to sink?

Most float for a few minutes before sinking. Lighter paper and fibre urns submerge gently within a couple of minutes, while a dense salt urn sinks faster and then dissolves over a few hours.

Do you need permission for a water burial?

In the UK no formal permit is required to release ashes at sea, though you should stay clear of marinas, fish farms and water intakes. Rules differ in other countries, so check locally before travelling.

Can I travel with a water burial urn?

Yes. Lightweight designs like the Journey urn are easy to carry, and biodegradable urns are well suited to travel. Carry the urn in hand luggage with the certificate of cremation if you are flying.