Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
At its simplest level, geocaching requires only a few key steps:
- Register for a free Basic Membership.
- Download the geocaching.com app direct onto your phone
- Search for caches nearby
- Select a cache and use navigation function to locate the cache
- Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location
- Share your geocaching stories and photos online via digital ‘Found it Log’
What are the rules of geocaching?
- If you take something from the geocache (or “cache”), leave something of equal or greater value.
- You must sign your caching name in the physical log book with a date
- You must rehide the cache in a manner that it was originally hidden
- Log your experience at www.geocaching.com. or your downloaded app
What do I need to go geocaching?
The only necessities are a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache, and a Geocaching.com Membership.
Where are geocaches located?
Geocaches can be found all over the world. It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These locations can be quite diverse. They may be at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street.
Are there different types of geocaches?
Yes. There are currently over a dozen “cache types” in geocaching, with each cache type being a different variation of the game. See the full list of Geocache Types.
Some ‘How to…’ guides for you
- Find your first geocache
- Log your first find
- Set up notifications on geocaching.com
- Import PQs into Excel
- Solving Puzzles
- Cache Containers
- Difficulty and Terrain Star Definitions
- Geocache Types
- Log Types
Make sure you read our Beginner Blog Series too for more tips and tricks about geocaching!