Entire house boat

Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Photo gallery for Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Outdoor dining
Smart TV
2 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Wilmington, NC
  • Place, Riverwalk
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Place, Live Oak Bank Pavilion
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Wilmington

With a stay at this houseboat, you'll be centrally located in Wilmington, a 1-minute drive from Riverwalk and 10 minutes from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. .This houseboat is 12.6 mi (20.2 km) from Wrightsville Beach and 17.5 mi (28.1 km) from Carolina Beach.

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 6 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eagle's Dare - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Bonita Latin Fusion - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tequila Comida & Cantina - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment 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
There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. The bathroom has a shower and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
This smoke-free houseboat features ecotours nearby, kayaking nearby, and sailing nearby.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

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
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Theme park nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Recycling

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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

436083

Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen F.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ellis M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

MILDRED E.

Liked: Cleanliness
The property is great. However, access to the property needs to be changed. The access ramp to the propertyis hazardous, especially for seniors and should be replaced with a LIFT-ELEVATOR!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Little slice of heaven

We decided to try the houseboat for a couple of days to celebrate our anniversary. Communication with Erin, our host, was excellent from the start. She answered questions within minutes. She sent a very detailed email that answered just about any question that we had. Upon arrival , we were greeted and assisted by an associate. Our place was absolutely fabulous- VERY clean, beautifully decorated and very comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped.There are many restaurants within walking distance. The upstairs back deck was wonderful and we enjoyed the time we spent there. We are planning on visiting The Cove again soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

tyquana p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property, great location! Check in was easy and the host kept great communication. Perfect for a quick beach getaway! Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Just Perfect

I came to Wilmington for a conference and the Wanderlust was the perfect place to stay. It was SO nice and had absolutely everything we needed. The 2nd level deck was amazing and looked out over the water for a great view down the river. It is easily walking distance to the Convention Center which was exactly what we wanted. The are also plenty of restaurants in walking distance too. We really enjoyed popping back to the houseboat in between education sessions and for lunch. The river walk was the perfect place to go for a run or just walk to stretch our legs. We will most definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fun Mini Getaway

Lovely place to stay. I wish there would have been a box of tissues n the bathrooms!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Sharon T.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Michael G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great getaway spot

Great birthday weekend getaway at a very unique property. We will definitely visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ted T., Richmond, VA

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay for the weekend

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley S.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Dave D., Wilmington, NC

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay!

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

10/10 Excellent

Bonita C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Awesome

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

10/10 Excellent

Patrick B.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

4/10 Poor

CATHERINE M.

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

10/10 Excellent

MILDRED E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clark T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Vacation getaway

Clean and beautiful!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Cove Getaway

The houseboat was fantastic. The communication with our host was wonderful. Perfect getaway for a short or weeklong visit. I would do this again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valerie B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

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

10/10 Excellent

Landon F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great experience!

We'll be back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Johnny P.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

Robin B.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Slice of Heaven

My husband, myself, and our two daughters stayed here. What you see online is what you get and then some. It is a beautiful tranquil space, with simplistic yet beautiful design. The guests are respectful of one another's space. Wonderful!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Travis L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2024