Dry Tortugas

Florida Book Awards, Gold Medal for Visual Arts

Rare photographs that capture the beauty of a unique ecological treasure

An immersive journey into the stunning beauty, rich biodiversity, and fragile ecosystems of Dry Tortugas National Park, this book combines captivating photographs with insightful narratives to highlight a remote archipelago that has profound ecological significance.

Accessible only by seaplane or boat, located 70 miles west of Key West and part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the park includes seven enchanting islands and—with 99 percent of the park being underwater—a treasure trove of marine life. Through the lens of conservation photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro, readers will discover lush seagrass beds, vibrant coral reefs, and mesmerizing turquoise waters that are difficult for the public to visit.

The book’s nearly 200 color images are accompanied by essays by Sarah Fangman, Cori Convertito, Curtis Hall, and Nancy Klingener, individuals with intimate knowledge of the park who explore its history, culture, and environment. They elucidate the complex relationships between nature and humanity that have long existed in the Dry Tortugas and emphasize the importance of preserving both historic structures such as Fort Jefferson on Garden Key and the undisturbed habitats that allow countless wildlife species to flourish.

From graceful green sea turtles and magnificent frigatebirds to intricate coral formations and spectacular starry skies, the photographs in Dry Tortugas inspire awe and appreciation for an environmental sanctuary that serves as a baseline for Florida Keys ecology during a time of accelerating climate change for the planet. Educational and emotionally resonant, this book is a powerful testament to the park’s allure and its incredibly special natural wonders.

Funding for this publication was provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.