Historic Expeditions That Reached the Pacific Ocean

1. Ferdinand Magellan (1519) – first European fleet to cross into the Pacific via the Strait of Magellan.
2. Vasco Núñez de Balboa (1513) – first European to sight the Pacific from the Americas (Panama).
3. Juan Sebastián Elcano (1522) – completed Magellan’s circumnavigation.
4. James Cook (1768–1779) – three voyages mapping Pacific islands, Australia, NZ, Hawaii.
5. Lewis & Clark (1804–1805) – reached the Pacific at the Columbia River mouth.

These journeys expanded geographic knowledge and global trade.