John Davis (1550-1605) was a British scientist, cartographer (map maker), and writer on seamanship who made extensive explorations in the Arctic (Davis Strait is named after him). He is noted for his detailed maps of the coast of Greenland, Baffin Island and Labrador.

Davis was well connected to the explorers, cartographers and scientists of his time. Some of his friends and neighbours were the explorer (Sir) Walter Raleigh and the astronomer and mathematician, John Dee.

Like many early explorers, Davis sought the "Northwest Passage", and although he was convinced that a passage existed, he was unsuccessful because of the ice. Nevertheless, he rediscovered Greenland (it had been forgotten after the Norse colonies failed there three centuries before), and he greatly contributed to Europe's knowledge of the Arctic.

He drew attention to the sealing and whaling possibilities in Davis Strait and identified cod fisheries in the coastal waters from Labrador to Newfoundland.