Vice-Admiral Sir John Wynter or Winter (1555–1638) was an explorer and naval officer in the English Navy Royal.

John Wynter was Captain of the Elizabeth which accompanied Francis Drake (in the Golden Hind) appointed as his Vice-Admiral[1] on his voyage around the world in 1577.

The ships passed through the Strait of Magellan, but a terrible storm caused Elizabeth to lose contact with the rest of the fleet on October 7.

Laurence Bergreen in his book In Search of a Kingdom asserts that Wynter took advantage of circumstances to head back to England.

He intended to sail on to the East Indies and rendezvous with Drake there, but fearing an all out mutiny he reluctantly headed back to England.

has confused the uncle and nephew, and speaks of the man who commanded the fleet at Smerwick as the same that turned back through the straits of Magellan (cf.