Geocaching Explained

Geocaching is a game invented by pirates. Well, not exactly. But they were definitely on to something. As legend goes, swashbucklers hid their treasure and marked the spot so that they could find it again. Geocaching works the same way – only advances in technology have taken things to a whole new level.

Hidden treasure troves – known as caches – have been hidden around the world. Their coordinates have been uploaded to our website along with details and clues. All you have to do is load this information into a compatible GPS device and set out on an adventure to find them. If you want to take something from the cache, be sure to have something to leave behind for the next person to find.

All you need to start geocaching is a portable GPS-enabled device, we have a huge range including a geocaching starter kit. Once you have chosen, go to opencaching.com - to find out how to plant your own cache, and how to send caches direct to your device.

What is OpenCaching?

We believe that geocaching should be as free and open as the great outdoors, so we built a place where anyone with an Internet connection and a compatible GPS-enabled device can upload, download and log caches. No subscriptions, membership fees or paid content.

Get a GPS and Go!

All you need to start geocaching is a portable GPS-enabled device.

GPS devices used for geocaching can range from the smartphone in your pocket all the way up to high-sensitivity handhelds that are bursting with special geocaching features. With basic models, you can enter coordinates by hand or download and input GPX files, then print out accompanying clues and data. Higher-end GPS units allow you to download data directly to the device; many even offer 'paperless geocaching' which allows everything you need to find the cache to be displayed right on the screen.