British Explorers EXPLORERS Portuguese Spanish French British American All Explorers Pirates MORE ON EXPLORERS Explorers Interactive Marco Polo/Silk Road Age of Exploration Legendary Places/Myths Explorer Route Maps Integrated, Interactive Activities Printables British Explorers John Cabot Italian-born Giovanni Caboto, otherwise known as John Cabot, explored much of the east coast of Canada for the British. Sir Francis Drake This famed pirate was at least partly responsible for the war between Spain and England that resulted in the defeat of the Spanish Armada. He also circumnavigated the world and explored California. Captain James Cook Captain Cook is credited with discovering the Hawaiian Islands. He also explored much of Australia and New Zealand.