Vasco Nunez De Balboa was a Spanish explorer who played a significant role in the discovery of the Pacific Ocean. He is also known for his role in founding the first European settlement on the mainland of the Americas. Synonyms for Vasco Nunez De Balboa include the Spanish version of his name, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, as well as the Explorer of the Pacific, the Discoverer of the Pacific Ocean, and the Founding Explorer of Panama. Other synonyms for his name could include frontier explorer, conquistador, and colonizer of the Americas. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Balboa's life ended tragically when he was accused of treason and was executed in 1519.