What types of ships were used for the voyages of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries?

During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the primary types of ships used for exploration included caravels, galleons, and carracks. Caravels were small, agile ships favored by the Portuguese for their ability to navigate shallow waters and sail against the wind. Galleons, larger and more heavily armed, were used for trade and warfare, while carracks combined the features of both, offering stability and capacity for long voyages. These ships played crucial roles in the Age of Exploration, enabling European powers to expand their maritime empires.