An underwater cemetery "Neptune Memorial Reef"

[Willow]

The Neptune Memorial Reef is an awe-inspiring and affordable memorialization option that is a fitting alternative to traditional burial. An enduring habitat for marine life, the Reef is also a reaffirmation of life after life.



About 45 feet beneath the ocean's surface lies a cemetery with gates, pathways, plaques and even benches.

The Neptune Memorial Reef, which opened last fall, is a t final resting spot for those who loved the sea. Its builders hope that one day the reef will cover 16 acres and have room for 125,000 remains.

The Neptune Memorial Reef is located in open waters 3 ¼ miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, which means any certified diver can visit. The artificial reef's first phase allows for about 850 remains.

The ashes are mixed with cement designed for underwater use and fitted into a mold, which a diver then places and secures into the reef. A copper and bronze plaque is installed with the person's name, date of birth and death. There is also a line for a message.

In March, the remains of 93-year-old diver Bert Kilbride — who called himself "The Last Pirate of the Caribbean" — were placed atop a column of the reef's main gate, because of his contributions to the sea. Before his death, Kilbride was named the oldest living scuba diver in this year's Guinness Book of World Records.

Now that would be some more ghosts hunt!!

Photo one is by Photojournalist Carey Wagner

[Kat - Administrator]

That is so cool!! Something to consider for all those marine lovers

[R A I N]

I love this! It's awesome and it's an awesome way to carry out loved one's final wishes. I'm adding this to my places I would love to visit!!

[earthsong]

This is really something. The pictures are pretty with clear blue water and fish swimming, what a peaceful place to be buried. :)
Love and Light

[Kelly Ku'ulei/Seraphim]

The beautiful lost cities of our ancient history. Once flourishing with human life is now the home & source of nourishment for the sea creatures. Don’t know what’s harder archeologist /anthropologist sweeping away the desert sand on land or the divers below brushing away the sand? Good photos.

[Louis Charles, (LC) Publisher]

Interesting story. For water lovers, that's awesome!

[Tkay - Moderator]

Thanks Willow, I do not think I have seen this before!

[Joe]

What a wonderful place! Very unique & very secluded.