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
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire house boat
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4111 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Barbecue grill
The current price is €447
€447
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Add dates for prices
About this property
Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Summary:
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.
The Space:
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.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the entire villa for the duration of their stay.
The Neighborhood:
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.
Getting Around:
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.
Other Things to Note:
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
Please note: A separate rental agreement is required to be signed within 48 hours of booking. This agreement provides important property specific rules and regulations in compliance with the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act and can be reviewed in advance upon request.
Interaction with Guests:
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.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Office
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)
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-o...
-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
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 and a first aid kit
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
Property is also known as
695bdf314354c40015828c5e
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 Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Children's Museum of Wilmington and Hannah Block Historic USO Arts Center are also worth visiting. Visit our Wilmington travel guide
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 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 12 Apr 2026 start from €447, 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.
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 10-minute walk of Riverwalk, Wilmington Convention Center and Cape Fear Community College. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College 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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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 !!!
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.
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.
Alex P.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
CATHERINE M.
6 Oct 2024
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.