Scattering Ashes at Sea - Large Groups
A Gentle and Meaningful Farewell on the Waters of the Solent
Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of life’s most tender moments. For many, the sea offers a place of calm, reflection, and connection – a fitting setting to honour a life and say farewell.
The Spirit of Portsmouth is available for private hire by families and friends who wish to scatter ashes in the peaceful surroundings of the Solent. Our compassionate and experienced team understands the emotional weight of these occasions and is here to help you create a respectful, heartfelt experience that reflects your wishes and honours any spiritual, cultural or personal traditions.
Charter Details
Availability: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
Hours: Between 10am and 4pm
Season: April to September
In addition to the scattering itself, we welcome you to hold a wake on board, offering a comfortable space for family and friends to gather, share memories, and support one another. You’re welcome to bring your own food or arrange outside catering. While we don’t have facilities for heating food, our onboard bar offers a range of hot and cold drinks, and we can also serve wine and beer in accordance with our license.
Personalised Support
Every family’s goodbye is unique. Whether you’d like to include music, readings, a celebrant, a moment of silence, or any other personal touches, we’ll work closely with you to make sure the experience feels meaningful and true to your loved one.
Please feel free to reach out to us for a confidential conversation — we’re here to listen, to support, and to help you navigate this part of the journey with sensitivity and care.
The “Small Print”
To help us prepare and reserve your chosen date, we kindly request a 25% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance of the charter fee is due 48 hours prior to the ceremony.
We understand that plans may need to change, and you are welcome to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
In the rare event we are unable to proceed with the charter – such as due to adverse weather conditions – we will offer you a full refund of the charter fee or the option to reschedule at a time that suits you.
To learn more or to discuss your requirements in confidence, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Email: admin@gosportferry.co.uk
Telephone: 023 9252 4551
Terms & Conditions
Welcome, and thank you for choosing our boat charter services. Please take a moment to read through the terms below, which help ensure a safe and smooth experience for all.
- Booking & Payment
- A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
- The remaining balance is due 48 hours before the scheduled departure.
- Payment can be made via bank transfer or debit/credit card.
- Cancellations & Refunds
- You may cancel your charter up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
- Cancellations within 24 hours of the charter are non-refundable, unless at our discretion.
- If we must cancel due to adverse weather, technical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to rebook.
- Weather & Safety
- The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. The Captain will make the final decision on whether a trip can safely go ahead.
- In the event of poor weather conditions or other safety concerns, we may need to reschedule or refund your trip.
- Passenger Conduct
- In the interests of passenger safety and comfort, we operate a zero tolerance policy against all inappropriate behaviour whilst on board. The Captain has the authority to terminate the cruise at any point and the Company accepts no liability for such termination
- All guests are expected to behave responsibly and follow any safety instructions given by the crew.
- Capacity & Accessibility
- The maximum passenger limit of 180 must not be exceeded.
- Please let us know in advance if you or any of your guests have specific accessibility needs so we can do our best to accommodate them.
- Late Arrival
- Please arrive on time. Delayed arrival may result in a shortened trip or cancellation without refund, depending on the circumstances.
- Liability
- We carry full insurance for our vessel and operations. However, we cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage of personal items.
- Passengers board and travel at their own risk and are encouraged to dress appropriately for the conditions.
- Use of the Vessel
- The vessel may only be used for the purpose agreed at the time of booking (e.g., scattering of ashes, committal service and wake).
- Alcohol & Catering
- On request the Gosport Ferry can supply beer and wine for consumption on board in line with our licence and the licensing laws. No alcohol is permitted to be brought on board unless previously agreed with the company. Corkage may be charged.
- Hirers can bring on board their own food or appoint their own caterers for the charter. Please note there is no facility on board for the heating of food.
- Environmental & Legal Compliance
- Ceremonies such as ash scatterings must follow relevant environmental and maritime regulations.
- Illegal substances are strictly prohibited onboard. Cigarettes, vapes and any other naked flames are not permitted on board.
- Privacy
- We respect your privacy and will never share your personal data without your consent, in line with GDPR regulations.