# Coastal Eco Explorer > Interactive guide to North Carolina coastal wildlife and ecosystems. (iPhone/iPad app by UNCW Research Foundation.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-eco-explorer/id1500638322 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [UNCW Research Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1500638321) - Category: Education - Price: Free - Rating: 5.00/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 2 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 17.6 · 66 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2021-03-25 - Data updated: 2026-08-12 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-eco-explorer/id1500638322/reviews.md ## What is Coastal Eco Explorer? Coastal Eco Explorer is an interactive mobile app for the exploration of coastal NC wildlife at Carolina Beach State Park and Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Utilize the app at the parks, traverse the trails and ecosystems using the app’s map, and read and watch videos about native flora, fauna, and ecosystems. The mobile application was created as a partnership between UNC Wilmington faculty and students and North Carolina State Park rangers to bring a unique and free educational tool to park visitors, teachers, and the public. Visit https://uncw.edu/ed/coastalecoexplorer to access supplemental resources, lesson plans, trail videos, and ranger-guided tours of featured ecosystems. ## Key features - Interactive park maps - Native flora and fauna information - Educational videos - Ecosystem exploration - Trail traversal guidance ## Recent user reviews (2 of 2) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coastal-eco-explorer/id1500638322/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Amazing! *2022-04-05* Very intuitive to use and packed with useful information. This handy tool makes visiting the park not only more informational but also loads more fun! There is nothing like the feeling of truly understanding what you are seeing in real time. ### 5/5 — Awesome in the making ! *2021-07-28* This is something that has been needed in this form for a long time. I can see additional information being added over time. Love the simple format. Congratulations to the creators !!! Will be updating as often as available. ## Frequently asked questions about Coastal Eco Explorer ### What is Coastal Eco Explorer? Coastal Eco Explorer is a free educational app designed for exploring North Carolina's coastal wildlife and ecosystems. It offers interactive maps, videos, and information on native flora and fauna to enhance park visits. ### Is Coastal Eco Explorer free to use? Yes, Coastal Eco Explorer is completely free to download and use. It was developed as a partnership to provide a free educational tool for park visitors. ### What devices support Coastal Eco Explorer? Coastal Eco Explorer is available on iPhone and iPad devices, making it accessible for a wide range of Apple users. ### What age rating does Coastal Eco Explorer have? Coastal Eco Explorer has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and families exploring together. ### How often is Coastal Eco Explorer updated? The latest version of Coastal Eco Explorer is 2.0.5, and it was last updated on February 8, 2026. This indicates a commitment to keeping the app current. ### Where can I find supplemental resources for Coastal Eco Explorer? Supplemental resources, including lesson plans and trail videos, can be accessed at https://uncw.edu/ed/coastalecoexplorer. This site offers additional educational content related to the app's focus. ### What learning methodology does Coastal Eco Explorer use? Coastal Eco Explorer employs an interactive learning methodology, encouraging users to explore park trails with maps and engage with multimedia content like videos and detailed descriptions of wildlife and ecosystems. ### Does Coastal Eco Explorer offer progress tracking? While Coastal Eco Explorer focuses on exploration and education, it does not explicitly mention progress tracking features. Its primary goal is to provide information and enhance the park experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.0.1 — 2026-08-09 - Choose your park and see only that park’s sites, tours, and map. - Find Learn, Explore, and Tours in a simpler menu. - Hear a sound and feel a vibration when you reach the next stop on a tour. - Spot trailheads on the map with “follow the signs” markers. - Filter and search sites on Learn by park and type, including featured spots. - Better button and text scaling for tablets. - Fixed startup error. ### 3.0.0 — 2026-08-06 - Choose your park and see only that park’s sites, tours, and map. - Find Learn, Explore, and Tours in a simpler menu. - Hear a sound and feel a vibration when you reach the next stop on a tour. - Spot trailheads on the map with “follow the signs” markers. - Filter and search sites on Learn by park and type, including featured spots. - Better button and text scaling for tablets. ### 2.1.0 — 2026-04-23 - Added trailhead markers and a new “follow the signs” icon to make trails easier to find on the map. - Added trail detail controls so users can view trail info and quickly show/hide trails. - Improved map tap/highlight reliability and overall location/map stability. ### 2.0.6 — 2026-04-22 Compatibility and performance improvements. ### 2.0.5 — 2026-02-08 Map and user interface improvements. ## Apps similar to Coastal Eco Explorer | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [iNaturalist Classic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist-classic/id421397028) | 4.6 (4,701) | Free | Education | | [UNCW - Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uncw-mobile/id6503098249) | 5.0 (3) | Free | Education | | [Pender County Schools](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pender-county-schools/id1599630846) | 3.8 (5) | Free | Education | | [Edulog Parent Portal](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/edulog-parent-portal/id1371235256) | 4.1 (13,495) | Free | Education | | [Lifepoint Church Wilmington](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifepoint-church-wilmington/id668773868) | 4.9 (14) | Free | Education | | [Corq](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/corq/id940682997) | 1.8 (133) | Free | Education | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-12.*