The adventurers who mapped the world, in one grid
Long before satellites, brave (and sometimes reckless) travellers filled in the map, and this puzzle gathers many of them. You'll be finding the famous voyagers — COLUMBUS, MAGELLAN and MARCO POLO — the sailors like COOK and DRAKE, and the polar pioneers who reached the ends of the Earth, from AMUNDSEN to SHACKLETON.
Because every new puzzle replots the route, no two explorers word searches are the same. One round a backwards VESPUCCI hides in a corner; the next a diagonal AMUNDSEN crosses the grid.
A great fit for history and geography topics
Explorers sit right where history meets geography — every voyage links a person, a place and a moment in time. This puzzle pairs perfectly with an 'age of exploration' unit or a topic on maps and journeys.
We use surnames to keep most words short and Easy mode playable, though a few like SHACKLETON run longer — a fair challenge for older students who know the story.
How to play
Drag across a word, or click its first and last letter — both work. Each name you find locks in with its own highlight and ticks off the list, so you always know who's left to find.
Want a bigger expedition? Switch to Medium or Hard for a larger grid with diagonal and reverse words. Stuck on one? Tap Hint for a nudge, or Solve to reveal them all.
Print an explorers word search pack
Tap Download for a printable PDF of fresh explorers puzzles, with optional answer keys. Choose how many you want and how many per page — perfect for a history or geography topic, a maps project, or a quiet afternoon.
Add a name-and-date line and you've got ready-to-print worksheets in seconds, free and account-free.
Frequently asked questions
Which explorers are in the word search?
Great explorers through history — Columbus, Magellan, Marco Polo, Cook, Amundsen and more. Each puzzle uses a fresh selection.
Is the explorers word search free to print?
Yes. Play free online or download a printable PDF pack with optional answer keys — great for history and geography lessons, no sign-up required.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. We use surnames to keep words short, and Easy mode uses a small grid with no diagonals or reverse words.