Editorial spotlight · Historic Seaport, Key West

2026 Conch Shell Awards nominee2026 Conch Shell Awards nominee
Best Sailing Experience

Restless Native

Private sailing catamaran charters out of Key West's Historic Seaport: sunset sails, days on the reef, nights at anchor, and a three-day trip to the Dry Tortugas. Six guests at most, and the boat is yours.

From
$1,200
Tripadvisor
5.0
Guests
Up to 6

Editorial spotlight. Restless Native Charters is a nominee in the 2026 Conch Shell Awards. They did not pay for this page and had no say in it. We earn a commission when you book through the links here; your price is the same.

The crew

Captain Brad, Captain Maddie and two catamarans

Restless Native runs private charters on two sailing catamarans, the 42-foot ARIA and the 60-foot Zodiac. Every trip is one group, capped at six guests.

Captain Brad Barker runs the company. Guests name him and Captain Maddie in review after review; Maddie is also the cook aboard. The Restless Native name has been on Key West charter boats since 1993.

“Captain Brad is an expert sailor.”
Gina A. · Tripadvisor review
Fort Jefferson and Garden Key from the air, Dry Tortugas

The big one

Three days to the Dry Tortugas

A private three-day trip from Key West to Fort Jefferson aboard the Zodiac. The boat has four cabins, each with its own bathroom and shower; three are for guests. The crew cooks every meal, and there is nothing for sale on the island.

Because you sleep aboard, you have the park in the early morning and evening, when the day boats are gone. Restless Native says it holds a permit to guide in Dry Tortugas National Park.

Whole boat, 3 days, up to 6$10,700

They recommend booking before you buy plane tickets; the trip often books up months ahead.

Check Availability

The boats

ARIA and Zodiac

Both boats take up to six guests. On day sails the Zodiac costs $1,000 more for the bigger boat.

SV ARIA

Type
Sailing catamaran
Length
42 ft
Guests
Up to 6
Guest cabins
3, each with bath
Boards
Historic Seaport, Pier C-18

SV Zodiac

Type
Sailing catamaran
Builder
Fountaine Pajot
Length
60 ft
Guests
Up to 6
Guest cabins
3, each with bath
Boards
Historic Seaport, Pier D-22

Book it

Every trip is private

Prices are for the whole boat, up to six guests, and were checked against FareHarbor on September 28, 2026.

Sunset Sail

3 hours · Private

Sunset Sail

Out of the seaport for sunset. Drinks and appetizers can be added.

ARIA, 42 ft$1,200
Zodiac, 60 ft$2,200
Check Availability
Half Day Sail

4 hours · Private

Half Day Sail

Sail, swim and snorkel. Gear, towels and floats are aboard.

ARIA, 42 ft$1,400
Zodiac, 60 ft$2,400
Check Availability
3/4 Day Sail

6 hours · Private

3/4 Day Sail

Enough time for a reef stop and a long lunch at anchor.

ARIA, 42 ft$1,600
Zodiac, 60 ft$2,600
Check Availability
Full Day Sail

8 hours · Private

Full Day Sail

A full day out of Key West, built around what your group wants to do.

ARIA, 42 ft$1,800
Zodiac, 60 ft$2,800
Check Availability
Overnight Expedition

Overnight · Zodiac

Overnight Expedition

Sleep aboard the Zodiac at anchor, in a cabin or under the stars.

Zodiac, 60 ft$3,700
Check Availability

Also private: the Epic Sail (from $2,700), and weddings, memorials and custom sails from $5,200 on ARIA or $6,200 on the Zodiac.

Before you go

Know before you go

Where to board

Historic Seaport, 120 Margaret St. ARIA boards at Pier C-18 and the Zodiac at Pier D-22. They suggest parking in the lot next to Cuban Coffee Queen.

What to pack

Soft bags only; hard suitcases don't fit. It's a barefoot boat. Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and a windbreaker for winter sunsets.

Included

Snorkel gear, towels, inner tubes and pool floats.

Add-ons

Drinks and appetizers, a personal chef, Starlink Wi-Fi, an eFoil session and spearfishing.

One house rule

No red wine aboard. It spills, and mixed with salt water it stains like paint.

Photos: Restless Native Charters, used with permission.

Reviews

What guests say

Reviewers keep naming the same things: trips shaped around what the group wants, Captain Maddie's cooking, and Captain Brad's sailing and stories, with dolphins and turtles along the way.

Questions

Good to know

How many guests can come?

Up to six per charter on either boat. Every trip is private.

Where do we board?

At the Historic Seaport, 120 Margaret St, Key West. ARIA is at Pier C-18 and the Zodiac at Pier D-22.

Is food included?

On day sails you can bring your own or add drinks and appetizers or a personal chef. On the Dry Tortugas trip the crew provides the meals.

Can we stay overnight?

Yes. The Overnight Expedition on the Zodiac is $3,700, and the Dry Tortugas trip is three days aboard for $10,700.

What is the difference between ARIA and the Zodiac?

ARIA is a 42-foot catamaran and the Zodiac is a 60-foot Fountaine Pajot. Both take up to six guests; the Zodiac costs $1,000 more on day sails.

Sail with Restless Native

Sunset sails leave the Historic Seaport in the evening. Every trip is private.

Check Availability
Private sails from $1,200See trips