Da Gama died of an illness in India December 24, 1524.ģ Why did he go Exploring? Vasco da Gama went exploring because King Manuel the first wanted to find a new route to India. (India) His father tried to make the voyage to India, but he died. Vasco da Gama discovered an ocean route from Portugal to the east. 2 Who was he? Vasco da Gama was a Portuguese explorer born in He was born into a noble, wealthy family.
