The sea, for Sir.
Francis Drake , was much more than just an expanse of water on which to move.
It was the scene of great adventures, epic battles, and a relentless hunt for the riches of the New World.
A privateer and navigator, he was the first Englishman to complete the circumnavigation of the globe (on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I), a feat that marked a crucial chapter in the history of exploration.
In this article, we will guide you through a voyage to the seven seas, following in Drake’s footsteps and rediscovering places that, centuries later, continue to make travelers around the world dream.
Francis Drake the privateer in the service of the English crown
Sir Francis Drake, the explorer, privateer and eventually vice admiral of the Royal English Navy, born in Tavistock, England, around 1540 was first and foremost a great seaman, famous for being the first English navigator to complete the circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580.
But his fame was not only due to travel; Francis Drake was also a privateer authorized to plunder Spanish ships, England’s adversaries in the control of the seas.
His extraordinary voyage, in fact, changed relations between England and Spain forever, prompting the Anglo-Spanish War.
The Pact with the Devil to Rule the Winds
Some stories portray Francis Drake as a hero, others as a ruthless pirate, even suspected of having ties to occult forces.
His numerous raids against Spanish ships and ports during his campaigns in the New World earned him the nickname El Draque, a distortion of his name meaning “the dragon” in Spanish.
The term “dragon” had a devilish connotation, given the devastation he brought wherever he went.
Drake did not just plunder, but carried out actual war campaigns, wreaking terror along the coasts of Spanish America.
His ability to appear suddenly and disappear quickly, with no defenders able to stop him, fueled his almost supernatural fame.
To many Spaniards of the time, Drake was an evil figure, an agent of evil who operated with the favor of the devil himself.
One of the most persistent legends about Francis Drake is that he made a pact with the devil in order to complete his circumnavigation of the globe.
According to this story, Drake allegedly sold his soul in exchange for control over the winds and waves, an essential skill for surviving the dangers of the ocean.
It was said that during his exploits, his ship, the Golden Hind, was propelled by a mysterious force that enabled him to weather storms, find treasure and escape his enemies with almost magical ease.
His navigational skills and luck seemed so extraordinary that many thought that no man could succeed without the intervention of the supernatural.
Francis Drake’s journey around the globe
Sir Francis Drake‘s circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580 was a momentous feat that not only consolidated his fame as a navigator and explorer, but also had significant political, economic and military implications for England.
Elizabeth I’ s England was competing with Spain for control of the seas and newly discovered lands in the New World.
Attacking Spanish ships and ports was a key part of the English strategy to destabilize Spanish colonial rule. Drake, officially appointed as Queen Elizabeth’s privateer, aimed to strike at Spanish interests along the coast of South America and take wealth from the Iberian empire.
One of Drake’s main purposes, in fact, was to enrich himself and the British Crown.
The expedition was also designed to plunder Spanish riches, especially gold and silver from colonies in South America.
England saw an opportunity to exploit the trade routes already explored by the Spanish and gain an advantage in global trade.
Finally, in addition to military and economic goals, there was also a genuine ambition for exploration.
Drake and his contemporaries wanted to explore new sea routes and identify new lands and resources.
Circumnavigating the globe also allowed them to map unknown areas, including the Pacific coasts, that had not yet been explored in detail by Europeans.
What are the seven seas faced in Francis Drake’s voyage?
The term“seven seas” invokes the image of vast expanses of water to be explored.
Although historically the seven seas have different meanings according to the ages, in the context of Drake’s voyage we can speak of seven seas referring to the different ocean areas he crossed.
1. Atlantic Ocean (Europe and Africa)
The voyage began in December 1577 from the port of Plymouth, England.
Drake and his crew headed for the South Atlantic, skirting West Africa.
The first significant stop was Cape Verde, where Drake refueled.
Today, Cape Verde is a fascinating destination for sea lovers, with quiet beaches and Creole culture.
2. South Atlantic Ocean (South America).
One of Drake’s toughest challenges was crossing the Strait of Magellan in the southern part of the South American continent.
This passage, between the Atlantic and the Pacific, was known for its violent storms and treacherous waters.
Many of his ships were lost here. Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego are now ideal destinations for extreme nature enthusiasts, with their wild and windy landscapes.
3. Pacific Ocean (Coasts of Chile and Peru).
Once across the Strait, Drake became the terror of Spanish ships operating along the western coast of South America.
During his passage, he attacked ports and merchant ships in Valparaíso (Chile) and Callao (Peru), amassing large amounts of gold and silver.
These cities today are tourist destinations rich in culture and colonial history. Callao, in particular, is Lima’s main port and a place where you can visit old fortifications and maritime museums.
4. Northern Pacific Ocean (California).
Continuing northward, Drake stopped at a region he called Nova Albion, now identified as the California coast.
The exact location remains uncertain, but many believe it to be the present-day Point Reyes area near San Francisco.
The California coast, with its breathtaking scenery and natural parks, is one of the most popular destinations for modern travelers.
5. Indian Ocean (Indonesia)
Crossing the Pacific, Drake reached the Moluccan Islands in Indonesia, which were famous for spices that at the time were considered more valuable than gold.
Here Drake found a warm welcome from the local sultan.
Today, the Moluccas are a paradise for those who enjoy unspoiled nature and scuba diving.
6. Southern Indian Ocean (Cape of Good Hope, South Africa).
The voyage continued south, passing the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of Africa.
At the time, it was one of the most dangerous stops for navigators because of violent currents and storms.
Today, Cape Town is one of the major cities on the African continent, with a unique combination of history, culture and spectacular scenery, such as the famous Table Mountain.
7. Atlantic Ocean (Return to England)
After circumnavigating the globe, Drake and his crew returned to Plymouth in September 1580.
Drake was a hero to the English, a symbol of maritime power and a pioneer who had opened new routes for English trade and expansion.
Highlights of Drake’s journey
Francis Drake’s circumnavigation began in December 1577 and lasted nearly three years, with milestones that can be retraced today to understand the scope of his voyage.
Departure from Plymouth (December 1577)
Drake sailed from Plymouth Harbor with a fleet of five ships.
The most important was the Golden Hind, so renamed during the voyage.
The expedition began under a veil of secrecy, officially as an exploratory mission, but with the goal of attacking the Spanish colonies.
West African Coast and Cape Verde (1577-1578)
Drake made an initial stop along the West African coast to refuel and then sailed to the South Atlantic.
He attacked some Portuguese and Spanish ships along the way, an action typical of his privateer mission.
Patagonia and the Strait of Magellan (August 1578)
One of the toughest challenges of the voyage was the passage through the Strait of Magellan.
After skirting South America, Drake managed to complete the crossing of the strait, escaping the dangerous storms and raging winds that characterize that area.
However, his fleet suffered losses, with several ships lost or destroyed.
The west coast of South America (Chile and Peru, 1578-1579)
After crossing the strait, Drake began plundering Spanish ports along the Pacific coast of South America, making raids on Valparaíso, Arica, and Callao (Peru).
One of his most successful blows was the capture of the Treasure of Cacafuego, a Spanish ship loaded with gold and silver.
California (1579)
Drake headed north, landing at a place he called Nova Albion, which today is thought to be the Point Reyes area of California.
Here, he repaired his ship and made contact with the indigenous peoples.
Although an English colony was not established, this episode remains important in the English history of the colonization of the Americas.
The Moluccan Islands (1580)
Continuing westward, Drake crossed the Pacific and stopped in the Moluccan Islands (in present-day Indonesia).
Here, he received a warm welcome from the local sultans, who saw in him a potential ally against the Portuguese. The Moluccas were a hub for global trade at the time, especially for spices such as nutmeg and cloves.
Cape of Good Hope (1580)
After sailing across the Indian Ocean, Drake rounded the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, one of the most dangerous sea routes because of currents and storms.
Having passed the cape, he was now nearing the conclusion of his voyage.
Return to Plymouth (September 1580)
Drake returned triumphant to Plymouth in September 1580, completing his second circumnavigation of the globe since Magellan.
Upon his return, he was greeted as a hero and received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth I, who boarded the Golden Hind to present him with the title.
Francis Drake’s voyage to the seven seas was one of the most epic feats of the 16th century, helping to define England’s rise as a naval power.
Today, many of the places Drake passed through are important destinations that any traveler could explore.
For those who want to follow in Francis Drake’s footsteps today, there are many opportunities.
Round-the-world cruises can replicate part of his itinerary, visiting many of the same ports, from Cape Town to Lima.
Or, for those who prefer a do-it-yourself trip, it is possible to plan a round-the-world trip by traveling by plane or ship.
A more adventurous way to follow Drake is to retrace parts of the route by sea, with yachts or private expeditions.
Experiences that allow the full experience of sailing in some of the world’s most fascinating seas, such as the South Pacific and North Atlantic.
Was Sir Francis Drake a privateer, explorer, or hero?
If you have gone this far in reading this article, surely the question you are asking yourself is this.
Francis Drake was both an explorer and a privateer, a complex and multifaceted figure who performed both functions with great success.
And in his own time, between 1500 and 1600, these two roles were not necessarily at odds with each other. In his own life Drake was able to reconcile exploration and piracy, often pursuing both goals simultaneously. It should not be forgotten that in addition to being considered an explorer and a privateer Francis Drake is also officially a hero.
Obviously from the point of view of Queen Elizabeth I of England officially awarded him the title of Sir.
His heroic connotation, on closer inspection, depends precisely on his dual role as explorer and privateer sworn enemy of Spain, a bitter rival of the English Crown.
