Adventures in Boating: 9 Famous Voyages in Maritime History

Throughout history, great boat voyages have shaped exploration, trade, science and culture. From daring expeditions into uncharted waters to Caribbean crossings that shifted the course of nations, these journeys in famous boats and ships continue to fascinate and inspire boaters, travelers and adventurers.

The next time you’re cruising across the Great Lakes, fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, traversing the Pacific Ocean or mooring at a private boat lift rental, remember these iconic boat voyages.

1. The Voyages of Christopher Columbus (1492–1504)

Columbus’s transatlantic expeditions—beginning with the Niña, Pinta and Santa María—transformed global and maritime history. Though he sought a westward route to Asia, his landfall in the Caribbean opened the Age of Exploration and reshaped the world’s geographic understanding. To learn a bit more about Columbus, check out Courage and Conviction: The True Story of Christopher Columbus on AppleTV the next time you’re hanging out at a private boat dock rental.

2. Ferdinand Magellan’s Circumnavigation (1519–1522)

Magellan set out with five ships to reach the Spice Islands by sailing west. Although he died in the Philippines, his expedition (which was completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano aboard the Victoria) became the first circumnavigation of the Earth. It proved the planet’s vastness and confirmed that all oceans are connected. Over the Edge of the World: Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the World is available in book or audiobook form.

3. Voyage to Jamestown (1606 - 1607)

The Jamestown Voyage, led by Captain Christopher Newport (along with Captains Bartholomew Gosnold and John Ratcliffe) took place aboard the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery ships. The 1607 voyage carried 104 English settlers across a challenging Atlantic crossing.

The expedition reached Virginia’s coast and sailed up the James River. Their journey marked the beginning of England’s first permanent North American colony and shaped the course of early American history.

4. The Voyage of the Mayflower (1620)

Carrying English Pilgrims seeking religious freedom, the Mayflower crossed the treacherous Atlantic to settle in New England. The voyage wasn’t just a migration. It became a foundational chapter in early American history, symbolizing perseverance and new beginnings.

If you’re looking for an educational read while moored at the marina or private boat lift for rent, add Mayflower: Voyage, Community, War, by Nathaniel Philbrick, to your library list. 

5. Captain James Cook’s Pacific Expeditions (1768–1779)

Sailing aboard ships like the Endeavour and Resolution, British navigator James Cook mapped unknown regions of the Pacific, including New Zealand, Australia’s eastern coastline and many Polynesian islands. His voyages greatly expanded scientific knowledge through detailed observations of geography, flora, fauna and local cultures. The Pacific: In the Wake of Captain Cook is an audio book, narrated by Sam Neill, that explores the story of Cook and his expedition.

6. The Voyage of HMS Beagle (1831–1836)

One of the most influential scientific voyages ever undertaken, the Beagle carried a young Charles Darwin around South America and across the world. His observations of wildlife and geology formed the backbone of his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. Published in 1839, Darwin’s The Voyage of the Beagle chronicles the journey.

7. Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki Expedition (1947)

In a bold demonstration of early migration possibilities, Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl sailed a balsa-wood raft from Peru to Polynesia. The 4,300-mile journey showed that ancient peoples could have made long ocean crossings using simple traditional vessels. Bring a copy of Heyerdahl’s book, The Kon-Tiki Expedition, along the next time you’re hanging out at the marina or  boat slip for rent near me.

8. Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition (1914–1917)

One of the greatest survival stories at sea, Shackleton’s Antarctic voyage became legendary after the Endurance was crushed by pack ice. Shackleton’s crew endured months of extreme hardship, and his daring open-boat voyage in the James Caird saved every member of his team.

Are you searching for a movie to watch the next time you’re aboard the boat at a private boat slip for rent? The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition is a great way to learn more about this dangerous expedition.

9. The Voyages of Zheng He (1405–1433)

During the Ming Dynasty, Admiral Zheng He commanded massive treasure fleets on seven spectacular journeys throughout Southeast Asia, India, Arabia and East Africa. His voyages (aboard enormous “treasure ships”) showcased China’s naval power and promoted trade and cultural exchange. Pick up a copy of Seven Voyages: How China's Treasure Fleet Conquered the Sea to learn more about Zheng He's adventures.

From scientific breakthroughs to feats of courage and resilience, these remarkable boat voyages helped chart the world as we know it. These epic adventures may be far more daring than you’re used to embarking on from a boat dock rental or a local marina, but their legacy endures in maps, myths and the enduring spirit of exploration that continues to push humanity toward new horizons.