Entire house boat

Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Houseboat in Wilmington, steps from Riverwalk

Photo gallery for Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Outdoor dining - Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas (Wilmington)
Smart TV - Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas (Wilmington)
Interior - Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas (Wilmington)
Interior - Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas (Wilmington)
Marina - Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas (Wilmington)
Floating atop the Cape Fear River, The Cove offers a tranquil retreat. From the gentle rocking of the river to peaceful sunset views, your stay is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and restored. Enjoy cooking in your spacious kitchen with everything you need or relax on your cozy couch surrounded by tall windows overlooking the marina.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
The current price is NZ$517
includes taxes & fees
18 Feb - 19 Feb

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire house boat to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas, Wilmington’s most unique vacation rental community!

Wanderlust is your travel-inspired retreat with stunning Riverwalk views and the Battleship glimpsed through lush foliage. Decorated to evoke dream destinations, this houseboat embraces a captivating travel theme. A dedicated desk in the upstairs common area offers the perfect space to transition between work, play, and relaxation, all while immersed in the allure of global exploration.

Wanderlust is located at slip #31, just 5 slips from the end of the dock on the Riverwalk side.

Full kitchen stocked with everything you could need to prepare a great meal. Complimentary local coffee, creamer, and sugar, are provided alongside a drip coffee maker.

First floor bedroom with Queen size bed, large closet, ceiling fan, and 40” Smart TV

Two full bathrooms, one on each floor, with walk-in showers. Complimentary hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided, along with bath and hand towels, wash cloths, and make-up towels.

Second floor bedroom with King sized bed, large closet, dresser, ceiling fan, and 55” Smart TV

First floor open concept living and dining room, featuring dining table with four seats, three bar stools along the kitchen island, cozy couch and arm chairs.

Second floor living room featuring a comfy sofa, 55” Smart TV, and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors. A dedicated workspace allows you the work-from-home space of your dreams.

Large patio on second floor featuring an outdoor bar with a mini fridge and sink and a variety of comfortable furniture options. This patio is a fan favorite for everything from morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening spirits, or enjoying a meal.

Guests will have access to the entire villa for the duration of their stay.

Our office is located at Slip #1. A team member is typically available on-site daily from 10am-5pm for guest assistance. If there is no one on-site, you can also reach us through the messaging option on your booking site and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.

The Cove is located in Port City Marina (PCM), a top-tier, gated, full-service marina offering over 200 cutting-edge floating concrete wet slips. Situated on the picturesque Cape Fear River, PCM is a haven for both transient boaters and our esteemed residents enjoying the luxury of our permanent floating villas.

Our state-of-the-art dock hosts all 40 of our exquisite villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, picturesque landscaping, and a welcoming community space at the dock`s end.

PCM`s prime location on the along the award-winning Riverwalk grants boaters and villa guests unparalleled access to the vibrant Downtown Wilmington scene. Indulge in the city`s rich cultural offerings, savor delectable dining experiences, and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and entertainment scene, all just steps away from our marina.

Parking is available for one vehicle per villa in an off-site parking garage. The parking garage is located about a 5-7 minute walk from the Marina, so we recommend packing in suitcases with wheels, bringing a foldable cart if you have one. We often get unexpected rain showers on the coast, so we also recommend packing an umbrella or rain jacket.

Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas —your perfect getaway in Downtown Wilmington! We`re just steps from Port City Marina and the Wilmington Convention Center, and one block from The Wilson Center and Live Oak Bank Pavilion, so you can skip the parking stress and event traffic. Who needs a designated driver when you’re this close to the action?

Historic Downtown Wilmington is less than a mile away, with tons of shops, restaurants, breweries, and live music. Get there on foot, hop on the free trolley, or take a quick drive—either way, fun is just around the corner! For the inside scoop on local hotspots and events, check out our Guidebook or visit `Wilmington and Beaches` online.

Need to catch a flight or hit the beach? Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is only 8 minutes away, and Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids, and UNCW are all within a 10-mile radius.

Bringing your boat? Our friends at Port City Marina would love to rent you a slip—just reach out to them directly and let the good times roll!

The unique charm of The Cove comes from its prime position atop the Cape Fear River. Here in Wilmington, you might encounter a local `water bug` or ‘palmetto bug’. While their visits are rare thanks to our rigorous cleanliness standards, these occasional guests are simply part of riverside living. Rest assured, we continuously strive to minimize their appearances and appreciate your understanding.

Parking for The Cove is conveniently located in a nearby garage approximately 0.3 miles from the dock. The garage offers 24/7 in/out access and is equipped with an elevator for easy loading and unloading. Parking for one vehicle per reservation is included, with additional parking available at daily rates set by the garage.
While the garage is close, guests should be aware that there is a 5–7 minute walk to the dock due to our marina setting. Rolling luggage is highly recommended, and bringing a cart or wagon can be helpful. A limited number of wagons are available for guest use at our on-site office on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If this villa’s booked, no worries - send us a message and we can help you find another date or villa that suits your needs. We would love to have you Stay Afloat!

@thecove_wilmington
Be mindful of your surroundings, considerate of your neighbors & respectful of the river.

Walk Only Zone: For safety reasons, the dock is a walk-only zone. Running, jumping, cartwheels, and any other form of reckless behavior or unsafe activity are strictly prohibited.

No Swimming: For safety reasons, swimming in the river is not permitted.

Quiet Hours: Please keep noise to a minimum from 10 PM to 8 AM to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for all guests.

No Open Flames: Open flames, including fireworks, and fire pits, are strictly prohibited on the dock and houseboats. The only exception is our Blackstone grill at the end of the dock.

No Smoking: Smoking is not allowed on the dock or houseboats to ensure safety, comfort and clean air for all guests. Evidence of smoking will incur a $350 fine.

No Ride-On Equipment: Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar ride-on items are not to be ridden on the dock at any time. Mobility aids like wheelchairs and other accessibility devices are welcome.

Child Supervision: Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times while on the dock.

Pets on Leashes: Animals must be kept on a leash and attended to at all times while on the dock.

No Fishing: For the safety of all guests, fishing is not permitted from the dock or houseboats. However, we encourage you to enjoy the beautiful Conlon Pier, located just next door on the Riverwalk, which offers a perfect spot for casting your line!

HVAC: Please follow posted instructions for HVAC use. Do NOT leave windows or doors open while HVAC is running.

Commercial photography/filming & event inquiries can be directed through our website.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city centre
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Recycling

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

Be mindful of your surroundings, considerate of your neighbors & respectful of the river. Walk Only Zone: For safety reasons, the dock is a walk-only
-Absolutely no swimming allowed - the current in the Cape Fear River is strong and dangerous -No smoking or illicit drugs allowed in the marina
-Failure to return the front door key upon check-out will result in a $300.00 fee

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

436083

About the area

Located in Wilmington, this houseboat is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Children's Museum of Wilmington and Carolina Heights. Cape Fear Museum and Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens are also worth visiting. Visit our Wilmington travel guide
View more Houseboats in Wilmington
Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Aerial panorama view of Wilmington North Carolina historic district along the Cape Fear river, with the North Carolina battleship with cloudy sky
    Riverwalk
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Wilmington_WilmingtonConventionCenter_6127710_0004
    Wilmington Convention Center
    4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cape Fear Community College
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    10 min walk - 0.8 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    12 min drive

Restaurants

  • Bonita Latin Fusion
    3 min walk
  • Copper Penny
    12 min walk
  • Tequila Comida & Cantina
    7 min walk
  • Eagle's Dare
    12 min walk
  • The German Cafe
    8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

As of 14 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 18 Feb 2026 start from NZ$517.10, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas located?

Located in the heart of Wilmington, this houseboat is within a 15-minute walk of Riverwalk and Wilmington Convention Center. Cape Fear Community College and Wilmington Railroad Museum are also within 10 minutes.

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Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 51 reviews

10

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dave D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Beautiful place and great location!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valerie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Perfect villa near the amphitheater. Quick walk and loved being on the water!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ted T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay! Highly recommend!

Went for a short weekend stay and loved every minute. The unit was immaculate, so clean and well appointed. Furnishings were comfortable and the beds and linens were great! Good location - loved the sunset view! Was an easy check in process. Would recommend and will be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clark T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation getaway

Clean and beautiful!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Unwind

It was great and we love the location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dreamy Getaway

Slept so well on comfy beds with gentle (almost unnoticeable) rocking. Perfect space with excellent furnishings and appliances. The top deck was excellent for relaxing outside. And the pier ‘park’ at the end was excellent for watching sunsets, playing cornhole, or just enjoying the rocking chairs. Attentive, friendly office staff were a bonus. Definitely staying again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tammy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Cove (Houseboat)

Had a great stay @ The Cove in Wilmington. The location was great with walking to great restaurants and nightlife. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique setting

Attractively furnished, comfortable unit that is a docked houseboat. Convenient to downtown Wilmington. Easily accommodates 4 people with two bedrooms and baths. Excellent kitchen amenities, including complimentary delicious coffee. Senior citizens (as we are) might be challenged by the stairs.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect getaway

This house was amazing. My husband & I live in Wilmington & have always wanted to stay. We were very pleased with the cleanliness, decor & cleaning/cooking supplies provided. We will be returning in the future! The view was unbeatable!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wanderlust houseboat

Unique, beautifully appointed, convenient to all downtown amenities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Johnny P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Floating Away

The Houseboat was better than any hotel room. Beautiful spot close to everything! Very peaceful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved Wanderlust

Loved everything about the houseboat Wanderlust! Every amenity imaginable. Close to River Walk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

mike n.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing get-away

We only stayed one night but we had a great time. The house boat was beautiful and we had everything we needed. Summer was very responsive when I had questions. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bonita C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

Very nice. From start to finish. Very clean. Great communication from the host
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wagon

Great location for enjoying Wilmington. It is a walk to the houses from parking but a wagon does make it easier. The cove office was nice enough to let us borrow one which saved us. All in all a great place and would rent again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, very cool units. Fun Place

We really enjoyed the houseboats. Excellent location. Very easy to check in and communicate with property manager. Not a criticism but be prepared to walk from parking to the units, but they have carts for your stuff. It's a block or so away to park. No big deal.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Houseboat stay

Beautifully furnished with all the amenities needed to cook. Appliances were all top end Samsung. Nice view of a park and great sunset over the rive. Easy walk yo cute town. marina grill right next door. We will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique stay on water

Really enjoyed this unique accommodation on water. Surprised at how much common space there is, inside and out. Enjoyed view of Cape Fear, next time will try marina view. Good walking location. Kind of want to keep it a secret it was so great.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katrina D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Phenomenal

The Wanderlust was very nice. Very clean. We had everything we needed to cook and then some. I love the location. Seeing the sunset and sitting on the dock in the rocking chair. Everything was great. I will be returning and staying longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway location

I have always wanted to stay on a houseboat and it was even better than I imagine! The property is in pristine condition and has all modern conveniences while also floating! The weather was less than perfect during our stay but we enjoyed the amenities within the houseboat and made the most of it. Very walkable to the action on the riverwalk... and you can hear the live concerts at the pavilion next door when you are outside. Inside, it's very quiet. We will be back for sure!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandy Nicole E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wanderlust

The worst part of my stay was that I only had 1 night. The property was absolutely perfect. Clean and well appointed. Views of the water & Battleship from the cozy 2nd story deck. A quick walk to Tequila Waterfront for dinner, which did not disappoint. Parking is just a quick walk away. Check-in was a breeze. Will definitely return when I can stay longer!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

christy j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

just perfect !!!

we enjoyed this property so much that we want to come back ASAP !!! it simply had everything we needed for a getaway. the kitchen was stocked with plenty of cooking tools and we loved the overall layout of the house !!! would be comfortable to travel with another couple or kids. we stayed on the deck the entire time !!! if we were going to say one thing that was missing, it would be an outside TV and fan (for the summer) !!! but wow just wow we had a great time and great stay !!!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emalie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very relaxing

Easy check in! Thank you. House boat was decorated so lovely - very spacious. Definitely got my steps in walking to the car. In summer, I would want cover parking. The heat in a car would be brutal. Cleaning crew needs to clean all areas not just what looks used and clean the dryer and washer of hair.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alex P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the boat and location

The house boat was extremely nice. I think it was brand new. It was very nicely decorated and very comfortable. There were four of us on our trip: two adults and two teens. We didn't feel cramped at all. It's very well laid out. The location in downtown is perfect. It's right on the Riverwalk and there's lots of restaurants and shops nearby. The only con is that it's about a 300 yard walk from the parking lot to the boat. When we were there it rained like the whole 1st day, so it was an issue getting our stuff to the boat. I would recommend bringing a fold-up wagon. That would really make it much more convenient. One other thing we noticed was the boat listed slightly towards starboard. I noticed some of the other house boats also listed towards the starboard side too. Could be due to current in the river or the weight distribution. We did really enjoy the house boat and would go back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

CATHERINE M.

Disliked: Check-in

Way too expensive for the amount of inconvenience

The place is beautiful. The attention to detail within structure and decor is well done. That said... The inconvenience to unload and carry luggage was extremely difficult especially for 4 women that overpacked and came in three cars. If I had known the amount of walking involved, I would have booked elsewhere since my mom had hip surgery 4 months prior. Nothing was in short walking distance, which meant getting a car each time. Picture shows walk from villa to dock ramp then lot. I booked two villas for our stay, extremely expensive for the unnecessary lugging we do each day. Our age group 36/63/73/81. For $2600, we could have been on the beach. My mistake for thinking this would be fun. They say they spray for roaches, but we had 7 in just one room. Urine on bathroom baseboard and daughter woke with bug bites on legs. I had asked for a two night refund, they gave us one cleaning refund instead. I was physically worn out after the three days. We did see a pretty sunset.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024