Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Launches Its First Geocache

By Cait Clemmer

August 11, 2026

As summer visitors make their way through the trails and dunes of Southwick Beach State Park, a new adventure is waiting just off the beaten path. Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary has launched its first-ever geocache, inviting explorers of all ages to explore the park and connect with the sanctuary through a fun and interactive outdoor adventure.

an aerial photo of a lakeshore with a lighthouse and the words 'Lake Ontario Geocache'
Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Jefferson County, New York. Photo: Matt McIntosh/NOAA

Geocaching is a worldwide outdoor treasure-hunting activity that uses GPS coordinates to guide participants to hidden caches. By combining technology with exploration, the activity encourages visitors to experience nature from a new perspective while learning more about the places they visit.

Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary geocache, available now through Oct. 19, leads participants on a search through Southwick Beach State Park. To begin the adventure, enter the coordinates N 43° 45.918 W 076° 12.905 into your GPS device or the Geocaching website. Additional information about the cache can be found on the Geocaching.com listing. After locating the cache, visitors can stop by the park's nature center to receive a commemorative 2026 Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary challenge coin and poster while supplies last.

a person in a sun hat holds up a waterproof Pelican case that says 'Official Geocache'
Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council Vice Chair Katie Malinowski discovers the sanctuary's geocache at Southwick Beach State Park. Photo: Katie Malinowski

The geocache was created to inspire curiosity about one of the nation's newest national marine sanctuaries in the Great Lakes and encourage visitors to spend time exploring the landscapes that connect people to Lake Ontario. While the sanctuary protects over 80 historic shipwrecks, the geocache offers a hands-on way to engage with the sanctuary from shore.

The cache is also located near several stops in the Thousand Islands Region Geocache Challenge, making it an easy addition for experienced geocachers exploring the area. Although it is not an official stop in the regional challenge, participants can extend their adventure with a visit to the sanctuary's special cache before continuing their search.

Whether you're an experienced geocacher or trying it for the first time, the Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary geocache offers a unique opportunity to get outside, explore Southwick Beach State Park, and learn about the sanctuary!

Coordinates: N 43° 45.918 W 076° 12.905
Geocache Listing: www.geocaching.com/geocache/GCBTQZF_lake-ontario-national-marine-sanctuary

Cait Clemmer is the sanctuary advisory council coordinator for Lake Ontario National Marine Sanctuary.