Last Updated on July 30, 2025 by Matt Staff
Throughout history, explorers have pushed the boundaries of the known world, chasing maps into the blank spaces and daring to go where no one else had. Whether they were crossing oceans, scaling uncharted mountains, or venturing deep into polar ice, these pioneers helped shape our understanding of the planet and often paid a high price for it.
These 25 photos capture legendary explorers in moments of triumph, trial, and quiet contemplation. From the Age of Discovery to the Space Age, these are the faces behind the journeys that redefined the edge of human experience.
1. Ernest Shakleton (1874–1922)
Legendary for his Antarctic expeditions, especially the ill-fated Endurance mission. He heroically saved his entire crew after their ship became trapped in the ice, earning a reputation for unmatched leadership and resilience.
2. Amelia Earhart (1897- disappeared in 1937)
The first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She vanished during her attempt to fly around the world, becoming an enduring symbol of adventure and mystery.
3. Edmund Hillary (1919 – 2008) and Tenzing Norgay (1914 – 1986)
The first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Their achievement marked a milestone in human endurance and mountaineering history.
4. Jacques Cousteau (1910–1997)
A pioneer of ocean exploration and co-inventor of the Aqua-Lung. His documentaries opened the undersea world to millions and helped launch the global environmental movement.
5. Roald Amundsen (1872–1928)
The first person to reach the South Pole in 1911. He also navigated the Northwest Passage, making him one of the greatest polar explorers of all time.
6. Yuri Gagarin (1934–1968)
The first human to travel into space in 1961. His flight aboard Vostok 1 made him a hero in the Soviet Union and a global icon of the Space Age.
7. Marco Polo (1254–1324)
Traveled from Venice to China along the Silk Road in the 13th century. His detailed accounts introduced Europeans to the wonders of Asia.
8. Neil Armstrong (1930–2012)
The first person to walk on the Moon in 1969. His famous line “That’s one small step for man…” defined a generation of space exploration.
9. Gertrude Bell (1868–1926)
Explorer, archaeologist, and diplomat who mapped large areas of the Middle East. She played a key role in the formation of modern-day Iraq.
10. Buzz Aldrin (1930– )
The second man to walk on the Moon. A brilliant astronaut and engineer, he helped shape the Apollo program’s legacy.
11. Matthew Henson (1866–1955)
One of the first people to reach the North Pole in 1909. His achievements were long overlooked due to racial discrimination.
12. Vasco da Gama (c. 1460–1524)
First European to reach India by sea, navigating around the Cape of Good Hope. His journey opened vital new trade routes for Portugal.
13. Isabella Bird (1831–1904)
British travel writer who explored Asia, the Middle East, and the American West. She became the first woman elected to the Royal Geographical Society.
14. Jean-Baptiste Charcot (1867–1936)
French scientist and polar explorer who led multiple expeditions to Antarctica. He made major contributions to geography and oceanography.
15. Nellie Bly (1864–1922)
Journalist who circled the globe in just 72 days in 1889. She also exposed inhumane conditions in mental asylums with her undercover reporting.
16. Sally Ride (1951–2012)
The first American woman in space, in 1983. Her flight was a landmark moment in both space travel and women’s history.
17. Hiram Bingham III (1875–1956)
Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. His expeditions helped bring the ancient Incan city to global attention.
18. Richard E. Byrd (1888–1957)
Byrd was a polar explorer and aviator who claimed to be the first to fly over the North Pole. He later conducted expeditions to Antarctica by air.
19. Jane Goodall (1934 -)
Revolutionized primatology with her long-term study of chimpanzees in Tanzania. Her work redefined humanity’s relationship with animals.
20. David Livingstone (1813–1873)
British missionary and explorer in Africa. He searched for the source of the Nile and advocated against slavery.
21. Felice Beato (1832–1909)
One of the first war photographers and early documentarians of Asia and the Middle East. His work shaped how the West saw the East.
22. Mae Jemison (1956– )
The first African-American woman to travel in space, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. She continues to advocate for science and education.
23. Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002)
Sailed across the Pacific on the Kon-Tiki raft to prove ancient peoples could have made long sea voyages. A bold experiment in experimental archaeology.
24. Sacagawea (c. 1788–c. 1812)
A Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark across the American West. Her knowledge of terrain and diplomacy was vital to their success.
25. Leif Erikson (c. 970–c. 1020)
Norse explorer believed to have landed in North America around the year 1000, long before Columbus. He founded a short-lived settlement called Vinland.
Explore more historical content:
From the icy poles to the surface of the Moon, exploration has always been about more than geography. These photos remind us of the boldness and curiosity that drive people to go farther, risk more, and bring back stories that change the world. For more historical content, check out these 15 Moments That Made NASA a Household Name, or 24 Vintage Photos That Perfectly Capture WWI. You can also take a look at 19 Naval Battleships That Changed History.
