Virtual Turtle Patrol Challenge
Walk/Run 6.5 km. Fund 1 patrol night. Save turtles.
At Playa Linda our patrollers walk about 4 miles (≈6.5 km) each night along the beach. Through this fundraiser, supporters everywhere can join this mission through the Virtual Turtle Patrol Challenge — walking or running the same distance in your own community while funding a real night of protection at Playa Linda.
Why This Matters
The peak sea turtle nesting season at Playa Linda runs August through October, when nightly patrols are essential to protect nests from poachers, dogs, and natural predators.
Volunteers join patrols regularly, but reliability is critical. To guarantee coverage and continuity, we are raising funds to hire one salaried local patroller under Costa Rica’s legal night watchman wage category (6 days per week, ~36 hours).
This patroller will be joined by volunteers, ensuring that every nest is protected throughout the 2026 season.
How the Fundraiser Works
💵 Donate – $35 = 1 patrol night
Your gift funds a real night of protection at Playa Linda.
👣 Walk 4 miles (≈6.5 km)
Match our patrol distance—anytime, anywhere.
📸 Share your patrol
Post with #VirtualTurtlePatrol and #PlayaLindaTurtlePatrol.
🎉 Celebrate your impact
We’ll send your digital badge and certificate.
Participation Options
💵 $35 – Patrol Night
Funds 1 patrol night and includes your digital badge & certificate.
🏅 $50 – Patrol + Medal
Funds 1 patrol night and includes a mailed turtle medal, badge & certificate.
👥 $100 – Team Patrol
Funds 3 patrol nights. Perfect for schools, clubs, or families. Includes group recognition.
Our Goal
🎯 Goal: $3,100 = 90 patrol nights
Each patrol night = one local patroller on the beach protecting nests and hatchlings.
So far we’ve funded: 0 of 90 nights.
Why Join the Virtual Patrol
🐢 Protect hatchlings
Each patrol night can mean hundreds of baby turtles safely reaching the sea.
🌍 Be part of something global
Join a community of turtle protectors walking in solidarity from around the world.
👣 Walk the same distance as real patrols
Your 4 miles (≈6.5 km) match the nightly Playa Linda patrol.
💚 Support fair local jobs
Your gift funds a legally contracted night patroller, reducing pressure to poach.
💵 100% of campaign funds go directly to salary
All donations from this fundraiser are earmarked for one salaried local patroller during the August–October 2026 season.
📑 Legal & fair employment
The patroller will be hired under Costa Rica’s night watchman wage category, with full employer contributions to Caja (health and social security) and INS (worker’s insurance).
👟 Gear budgeted separately
Rain gear, and headlamps are covered by other project funds to ensure every dollar here supports wages.
📊 Regular updates
We will share campaign progress and impact, including:
Nights of patrol funded
Nests protected
Hatchlings released
Where Your Donation Goes
One night. One patroller. Hundreds of turtles saved.
Frequently asked questions
❓ Do I have to walk at night?
No. You can walk or run anytime, anywhere. The 4 miles (≈6.5 km) represent the distance of a real Playa Linda night patrol.
❓ Can I participate in kilometers instead of miles?
Yes! 6.5 km = 4 miles.
❓ Do I need to be in Costa Rica?
Not at all. This is a global virtual event. Anyone can join from anywhere in the world.
❓ Can groups or schools participate?
Yes. The Team Patrol option ($100) covers 3 patrol nights and includes group recognition. Many classrooms, scout troops, and clubs join by organizing their own Turtle Walk.
❓ What do I receive for participating?
All participants get a digital badge and certificate. At the $50 level, you’ll also receive a mailed turtle medal.
Join the Virtual Turtle Patrol Today
Walk the same distance as our Playa Linda patrollers.
Fund a real night of turtle protection.
Be part of a global patrol.
💵 $35 = 1 patrol night protected