Vasco da Gama's voyage to India in 1498 marked a pivotal moment in maritime history, establishing a direct sea route between Europe and Asia.

Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano after Magellan's death, completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth in 1522.

Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas in the late 15th century had a profound impact on European exploration and colonization.

James Cook's voyages in the Pacific Ocean, including his discovery of the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, contributed significantly to European knowledge of the region.

Roald Amundsen's successful navigation of the Northwest Passage in 1903-1906 was a major milestone in Arctic exploration.

Robert Peary and his team reached the North Pole in 1909, becoming the first confirmed explorers to do so.

Roald Amundsen led the first expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911, a groundbreaking achievement in Antarctic exploration.

Joshua Slocum completed the first solo circumnavigation of the globe in 1898, demonstrating remarkable seamanship and endurance.

Ellen MacArthur became the youngest person and the first woman to sail around the world solo nonstop in 2005.

Robert Ballard led the expedition that discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985, shedding light on one of the most infamous maritime disasters.

Jacques Cousteau's pioneering work in underwater exploration, including his discovery of hydrothermal vents, revolutionized our understanding of the deep sea.

Victor Vescovo made history in 2019 by reaching the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth, in a solo submersible dive.

Børge Ousland became the first person to reach both the North and South Poles solo and unsupported in 1994 and 1997, respectively.

Matthew Henson, an African American explorer, accompanied Robert Peary on his successful expedition to the North Pole in 1909.

Ann Bancroft became the first woman to ski solo to both the North and South Poles in 1993 and 2001, respectively.