John Drake (c. 1560–1600s) was an English privateer who attempted an ill-fated incursion against the Spanish Empire on the shores of the Río de la Plata.

[6] After their victory at the battle of São Vicente and the subsequent split of the English force, Drake headed to the Rio de la Plata.

[8] He and his men were captured by Charrúa natives in today's Uruguayan coast, with whom they remained captive for some time.

Only Drake and his second-in-command survived the ordeal to reach Buenos Aires[9] where both of them were arrested by the Spanish authorities, being sent to the city of Santa Fe.

The last mention of John Drake in a Spanish official document was in 1595, during the trial of Richard Hawkins and his companions, captured in San Mateo's Bay (a.k.a.