Help for Beginners

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

Make sure you read our Beginner Blog Series too for more tips and tricks about geocaching!