DiveCaching – Underwater Geocaching!
DiveCaching is an underwater geocaching adventure for divers and snorkelers. The basic idea behind DiveCaching is to dive in a location you'll enjoy and while there, look for submerged geocaches. DiveCaches may be hidden in very shallow water requiring only a snorkel and mask to see and locate the underwater cache, or you may need to have a full set of scuba equipment and be certified as a scuba diver before looking for a specific DiveCache. Either way, this is a fun, challenging and different variety of geocaching that requires some extra equipment and the use of some additional skills.
What's different about searching for a DiveCache?
One very basic difference is that most GPS devices cannot be submerged more than a meter or two in depth and in any case cannot directly receive satellite signals under the surface of the water. This means that you'll need some extra information to locate a DiveCache, and even in shallow water you may need some extra equipment.
When DiveCaches are hidden the geocacher will use a combination of a GPS, an underwater compass, and some techniques for measuring distance underwater. When hiding a new DiveCache the diver may record the GPS coordinates of the water entry point, along with a compass course and distances of each course leg to help you re-locate the DiveCache. The diver may instead record the GPS coordinates directly on the water's surface above the submerged geocache. Be sure to read the description of the DiveCache before you begin your hunt as this will give you a better idea of where to look, and what equipment you'll need.
Another difference you'll see is that there are two basic types of DiveCaches – "dry" and "wet." When you locate a "dry" DiveCache it is watertight and the log must be taken to the surface to sign. Dry DiveCaches are usually hidden in shallow water. When you locate a "wet" DiveCache the container is already full of water, and opening it underwater to sign the visitor's log is expected. These types of DiveCaches are what you'll normally find on sites that require the use of scuba equipment because a "wet" cache doesn't need to be taken back to the surface in order to sign the log.
Finally, DiveCaches may be hidden in areas of limited visibility. The challenge of finding a DiveCache can be even greater than finding a geocache on land because the diver may need to use actual search patterns and techniques to locate the cache.
Finding DiveCaches on Geocaching.com
Just like any geocache, you can find DiveCaches by doing a Geocaching.com search near the location you want to dive. Try using the key words 'dive,' 'scuba,' 'underwater,' 'DiveCache,' or other diving-related term. The 'scuba' attribute on Geocaching.com can also be used to narrow your search.
Ready to Try DiveCaching?
If you are not a diver, check out Be A Diver.com and find the nearest professional dive center to help you learn all about the fun! Don't forget that you can go geocaching on land with friends and family and join the underwater fun once you are certified!
For more helpful information on getting started with your DiveCaching adventure visit us at:
Divecaching.org
Facebook.com/DiveCaching
Twitter.com/divecaching
