Juan Pantoja y Arriaga

"Mexican navigator and cartographer"

"Graduate of the San Telmo school for pilotos. ...immediately appointed to Naval Department of Callao. ...One of the two pilotines that Bodega brought with him from Lima in 1777-78. ...Bodega had a good opinion of him and always found him intelligent and reliable."

Promoted to second piloto for Bodega's 1779 voyage, aboard Princesa. Made instructive maps, charts, and good journal kept.

After that, commanded ships on supply runs from San Blas to Alta California. ? 1782 to San Diego on frigate Princesa under Esteban Martinez.

1782: During 7 month layover in San Diego, made his most famous map, of San Diego Bay. Used much later in establishing US-Mexico border. Pantoja Park in San Diego named for him. Map: "Plano del Puerto de San Diego Situado en la Costa Septent... de la California...". Made/surveyed 28 August to 28 September, 1782.

1791: To Nootka on San Carlos under Ramon Saavedra. Then with Eliza into Strait of Juan de Fuca, and exploring San Juans, straits, Strait of Georgia, etc.

1806: Still at San Blas, evidenced by records about back pay for 1779 voyage?

Death unknown, both where and when.

See his "Diario de Navegacion que con el Favor de Dios y de su Satisima Madre principia...."

See: "Voyage of the Frigate Princesa to Southern California in 1782; as....Juan Pantoja....Esteban Martinez..."