Vaco Da Gama was a Portuguese sea captain that made his fame by being the first to reach India from Europe by sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. His voyage opened the water trade route between Europe and Asia.

Da Gama sailed from Libson, Portugal on July 8, 1497 with four ships and 170 men. He made it around the Cape of Good Hope on November 22. He then headed north and stopped to trade with people at trading center of the present Mocambique, Mozambique and Mombasa and Malini, Kenya.

On May 20, 1498 Da Gama reached Calicut, India. The ruler of Calicut was insulted by Da Gama's cheap gifts. Muslims also hurt with Da Gama's trading. In August 1498, Da Gama sailed for home with only samples of Indian goods.

On the return voyage many of the sailors died from disease. Only 55 men survived the trip. Da Gama and his crew arrived home in September of 1499. Da Gama's fame cost the lives of 115 men.

King Manuel I was pleased with Da Gama and gave him the title of Admiral of the Sea of India. Da Gama later went on a second voyage in 1502. Da Gama was much more successful in his return journey with a fleet of 15 ships. The Portuguese became an important trading and naval power in the Indian Ocean.