What is an Eternal Reef?

An Eternal Reef is part of a designed reef system created from individual reef balls made of environmentally safe, marine grade concrete that quickly assimilate into the natural ocean environment. These permanent memorials placed on the ocean floor create new marine habitats for fish and other forms of sea life.

Eternal Reefs takes the cremated remains or “cremains” of an individual and incorporates them into a proprietary, environmentally safe cement mixture designed to create artificial reef formations. The Eternal Reefs are then placed in one of our permitted ocean locations selected by the individual, friend or family member.

Everything Eternal Reefs does is permitted through a number of local, state and federal agencies. Eternal Reefs are only placed on reef sites designated for development as recreational reefs for fishing and diving. These are public reefs and are enjoyed by everyone. The Eternal Reefs process for including cremated remains has been approved by the US E.P.A. In making an Eternal Reef, we can use all, some or none of the cremated remains and frequently include pets with their family members.

Families and friends are invited and encouraged to participate as much or as little with the creation of their loved one’s Eternal Reef. Participants often choose to mix the remains into the concrete as well as personalize the top of the memorial with hand prints, written messages in the damp concrete, and small, environmentally-safe, personal mementos. The entire Eternal Reefs process is a positive experience that is designed to help heal both the sea and soul.

For families and individuals that choose cremation rather than burial, Eternal Reefs offers a unique memorial option that replaces cremation urns and ash scatterings with a permanent environmental living legacy. Eternal Reefs are permanent additions to the marine environment and serve to help preserve, protect, and enhance the oceans’ health. As of 2023, more than 2,500 Eternal Reefs have been placed in about 25 locations off the coasts of Florida (the panhandle, Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast), Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.