Geocaching is a global treasure hunt game that has existed since the year 2000.
Over the years, a set of unwritten norms, etiquette rules, and customs have developed, known only to seasoned players.
As a result, when someone wants to start playing, they’re likely to not fully understand how things work, become frustrated, and eventually give up.
But if you’re reading this article, you’re off to a good start 😉
1. Use the Website, Not the App
If you access geocaching from the mobile app, you’ll notice many points marked in gray. And if you tap on them, it prompts you to go premium to view them.
This isn’t necessary. On the website map, you can see them.
If you want quick access to the website from your mobile’s home screen, go to https://geocaching.com from your phone and select this option:
On Android, you can also use the c:geo app.
2. Is it Worth Getting into Geocaching Nowadays?
It depends. Do you see a lot of points like this on your map?
These are called traditional geocaches. If you physically go to that spot, you’ll find something hidden there. Usually, it’s a plastic container with a logbook inside for you to sign.
So, if you spot a few of these points, then it’s worth it because you’ll have entertainment for quite some time.
If not, it’s more questionable. If you see points of other types, it’s worth reading up on what they involve to see if they catch your interest.
If that doesn’t convince you either, you could also hide caches or play Adventure Labs.
3. Is Premium Worth It?
There are geocaches that don’t appear on either the app map or the website map. They only show up in the list on the left side of the website map, marked as premium:
In my opinion, if you don’t have many of these around you, it’s not worth it. And if you have plenty of free ones, even less so.
However, the premium is quite affordable. By paying for it, you get some extra features and support the company behind Geocaching. Premium caches also tend to be more elaborate than free ones. If you later find that you really enjoy and get hooked on the game, it’s an investment you probably won’t regret.
4. What to Do When You Find a Geocache
When you physically go to one of those points on the map and find your first geocache:
- Be mindful of people passing by. Act casual.
🕵️♀️ People who don’t know what geocaching is (often called “muggles”) might find it strange to see you searching for something in public. This can lead to awkward situations.
- Open it and sign the logbook with your geocaching username and the date you found it.
ℹ️ To make things easier, choose a short username and always carry a pen with you.
- If there’s anything else besides the logbook, these items might be:
- Trade items (also called SWAG): You can take something as long as you leave something of equal or greater value in return.
- Travel Bugs: These are items with a code that you need to log on the geocaching website. By logging it, you document the travels of this item. Typically, the goal is to move it to another geocache so it can continue its journey. There are many variations on this; here’s a great explanation:
(English subtitles available!)
💰 Even though it might sound exciting, you won’t find money in geocaches. The fun is in the hunt, not in the contents (with some exceptions that might surprise you).
- Finally, put everything back where you found it (except for the SWAG or Travel Bug if you decided to take something, of course).
5. How to Log a “Found It” on the Website
The game doesn’t end when you sign the logbook. You now need to go to the website and mark it as found there.
First of all, you should know that you don’t need to log it on-site. You can comfortably go home and log it there.
💡 The proof that you’ve been to the geocache is your physical signature. It’s not necessary for the GPS to detect your presence, unlike other games like Pokémon Go.
When you log it, make sure to select the correct date on which you found it:
Geocaches are hidden voluntarily by other people (known as COs or Cache Owners), and every time someone logs a find on one of their geocaches, they receive an email.
So, when writing your log, think of it like leaving a comment on any social media: the creator of the cache will read it, and so will other people who check the cache page. You don’t need to write a lengthy review, but make sure your comment is personalized for that specific cache. This makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
However, be careful not to give too many details about how the cache is hidden, the container, etc. Speak more generally or in a somewhat cryptic manner. Be creative. Revealing too much not only spoils the surprise for other geocachers, but it can also make it easier for a muggle to find and take the cache. COs can delete logs if someone gives away too many spoilers, and the same goes for photos.
6. What to Do if You Go But Can’t Find the Geocache
In that case, leave a DNF log (which stands for “Did Not Find”).
Apply everything from the previous section to this log: leave a helpful comment for the CO. It’s important to do this because, if you don’t, the CO won’t know if there might be an issue with the cache.
📌 On the cache page, you can choose to “follow” the cache to receive email updates about new visits, so if someone finds it later, you’ll know for sure whether it’s there.
If you’re 100% certain that it’s not there, you can log a “Needs Maintenance” note, but only as a last resort.
Never replace it yourself! That’s the CO’s responsibility. Only the owner knows for sure if a cache is missing. If you replace it and it turns out to be there, it could result in a cache with multiple containers and logbooks, which would be quite confusing for future geocachers.
7. Hiding a Geocache
There are no minimum requirements for hiding a geocache. Anyone can hide one from the get-go!
However, it’s advisable to have found a few geocaches first to get an idea of the experience and the guidelines.
Moreover, hiding a geocache is a responsibility. From that moment on, you’re responsible for replacing it if someone takes it, checking the logbook to ensure no one marks it as “found” without actually being there, monitoring the logs on the website, etc. If you hide a geocache and then neglect it, you could end up being banned from the site.
All new geocaches go through a review process (which can be more or less lengthy) to ensure that everything complies with the guidelines. Reviewers don’t physically visit the cache but do check that it’s not placed too close to another cache and that the description (also called the “listing”) makes sense, etc. Reviewers are also volunteer geocachers, be patient if it takes some time.
8. Adventure Labs
Adventure Labs are another game mode created by the same company. They are found using a different app, and they do require you to be physically present at the location to work.
When you arrive at an Adventure Lab point, you are automatically given access to a question you must answer about the site you are at. And you can only answer it right there.
Typically, there is no physical container associated with Adventure Labs. The goal is to explore a different place in a more engaging way.
Now you’re ready to start geocaching. Put on some comfortable clothing, load up on sunscreen and insect repellent, and go out and touch some grass! 😂
By the way, you might want to consider getting some gardening gloves; you may have to reach into places you’d rather not without protection (and yes, we’re still talking about geocaching).
If you enjoy the game and want to dive deeper, here there is resources I find very, very good:
Happy hunting!