House boat
Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington
Photo gallery for Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington





Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 4
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Wilmington, NC
- Riverwalk1 min walk
- Wilmington Convention Center3 min walk
- Battleship North Carolina5 min drive
- Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)7 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington
Welcome to The Cove, Wilmington's most unique vacation rental community.
Floating atop the Cape Fear River, our Riverwalk Villa community offers an experience unlike any you've had before.
From the gentle rocking of the river, to the peaceful view of the sunset, your stay at The Cove is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and wanting to return again soon.
@thecove_wilmington (IG)
The space
After parking in our free lot (1 spot per villa) and making the 4 minute stroll down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove, Riverwalk Villas. Secured with dock ties and connected to electricity and water, you'll quickly realize that a stay at our dockside community offers the perfect mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.
Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the spacious open concept kitchen/dining/living area and think to yourself, "I should have brought more friends!" (Don't worry, there's always next time.)
Cooking & Eating:
With a dining table that seats four, three benches along the island, and a kitchen stocked with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are provided, alongside a drip coffee maker.
Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the beautifully decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the cozy couch surrounded by tall windows that overlook the Marina.
Bathroom 1:
Just past the common area is the first floor bathroom, which features a walk-in shower and full size washer and dryer. Complementary shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided in each of the bathrooms, as well as laundry pods, dryer sheets, hair dryer and a steamer.
Bedroom 1 (Queen):
Connected by a pocket door is the downstairs bedroom with a Queen bed, large closet, ceiling fan, 40" Smart TV, and access door to the quaint back patio; a great spot for some quiet reading or alone time.
Living Room 2:
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another large living space with a 55" Smart TV and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.
Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a large patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini fridge), 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. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grill, our delicious on-site restaurant, or Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, which is only a block away.
Bedroom 2 (King):
Back inside and beyond the living room is the second floor bedroom, featuring a King bed, dresser, large closet, ceiling fan & 55" Smart TV.
Bathroom 2:
The pocket door connects you from the bedroom to the second floor full bath.
Location:
The Cove is located in Port City Marina, which sits on the North end of the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington. Just a few steps from the Wilmington Convention Center and one block from both The Wilson Center, and Live Nation's Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, a stay at The Cove offers the perfect solution for those wanting to avoid the chaos of parking, event traffic, and needing a DD.
Less than a mile away you'll find the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether you choose to stroll along the Riverwalk, take the free trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is easy. With many local shops, restaurants, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.
Beyond the borders of Downtown, a quick 8 minute drive or Uber ride will get you to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and within a 10 mile radius you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids amusement/water park, UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and much more.
If you're interested in bringing your boat, our friends at Port City Marina would love to rent you a slip! Please reach out to them directly to coordinate that for the dates of your stay.
Check in method:
Specific directions including getting to the marina, gate & door codes and wifi information will be messaged to you the morning of your stay.
If this Villa is not available during your preferred time frame, please check out the listings for our other Riverwalk Villas at The Cove, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We would love to have you Stay Afloat!
Floating atop the Cape Fear River, our Riverwalk Villa community offers an experience unlike any you've had before.
From the gentle rocking of the river, to the peaceful view of the sunset, your stay at The Cove is sure to leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and wanting to return again soon.
@thecove_wilmington (IG)
The space
After parking in our free lot (1 spot per villa) and making the 4 minute stroll down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove, Riverwalk Villas. Secured with dock ties and connected to electricity and water, you'll quickly realize that a stay at our dockside community offers the perfect mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.
Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the spacious open concept kitchen/dining/living area and think to yourself, "I should have brought more friends!" (Don't worry, there's always next time.)
Cooking & Eating:
With a dining table that seats four, three benches along the island, and a kitchen stocked with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are provided, alongside a drip coffee maker.
Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the beautifully decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the cozy couch surrounded by tall windows that overlook the Marina.
Bathroom 1:
Just past the common area is the first floor bathroom, which features a walk-in shower and full size washer and dryer. Complementary shampoo, conditioner and body wash are provided in each of the bathrooms, as well as laundry pods, dryer sheets, hair dryer and a steamer.
Bedroom 1 (Queen):
Connected by a pocket door is the downstairs bedroom with a Queen bed, large closet, ceiling fan, 40" Smart TV, and access door to the quaint back patio; a great spot for some quiet reading or alone time.
Living Room 2:
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another large living space with a 55" Smart TV and a beautiful view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.
Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a large patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini fridge), 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. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grill, our delicious on-site restaurant, or Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, which is only a block away.
Bedroom 2 (King):
Back inside and beyond the living room is the second floor bedroom, featuring a King bed, dresser, large closet, ceiling fan & 55" Smart TV.
Bathroom 2:
The pocket door connects you from the bedroom to the second floor full bath.
Location:
The Cove is located in Port City Marina, which sits on the North end of the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington. Just a few steps from the Wilmington Convention Center and one block from both The Wilson Center, and Live Nation's Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, a stay at The Cove offers the perfect solution for those wanting to avoid the chaos of parking, event traffic, and needing a DD.
Less than a mile away you'll find the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether you choose to stroll along the Riverwalk, take the free trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is easy. With many local shops, restaurants, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.
Beyond the borders of Downtown, a quick 8 minute drive or Uber ride will get you to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and within a 10 mile radius you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids amusement/water park, UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and much more.
If you're interested in bringing your boat, our friends at Port City Marina would love to rent you a slip! Please reach out to them directly to coordinate that for the dates of your stay.
Check in method:
Specific directions including getting to the marina, gate & door codes and wifi information will be messaged to you the morning of your stay.
If this Villa is not available during your preferred time frame, please check out the listings for our other Riverwalk Villas at The Cove, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We would love to have you Stay Afloat!
Property manager
Erin Robinson
Premier Host
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Water view
Have a question?
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties

Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”
Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”
- Kitchen
- Washer
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, (29 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets 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 is a carbon monoxide detector 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
About the area
Wilmington
Located in Downtown Wilmington, a neighbourhood in Wilmington, this houseboat is near theme parks 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Wilmington, NC
What's nearby
- Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Wilmington Convention Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Cape Fear Community College - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
- Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
- Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 1.0 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - 11 min walk
- Edward Teach Brewing - 11 min walk
- Cape Fear Wine and Beer - 12 min walk
- Marina Grill - 5 min walk
- Beer Barrio - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
14 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Dave D.
7 December 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay!
Dave D.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael G.
26 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway spot
Michael G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
8/10 Good
Elizabeth H.
5 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique setting
Elizabeth H.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sharon T.
22 March 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Dreamy Getaway
Sharon T.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kirsten S.
16 April 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just Perfect
Kirsten S.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ted T.
20 January 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay! Highly recommend!
Ted T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Valerie B.
13 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Valerie B.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Christina D.
6 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway
Christina D.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Clark T.
25 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Vacation getaway
Clark T.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Cindy M.
14 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cove Getaway
Cindy M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Landon F.
12 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great experience!
Landon F.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Johnny P.
25 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Floating Away
Johnny P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Pam D.
21 April 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
lovely visit
Pam D.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Bonita C.
10 November 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Bonita C.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Suzanne B.
24 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved Wanderlust
Suzanne B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alex G.
11 February 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Unwind
Alex G.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Patrick B.
21 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, very cool units. Fun Place
Patrick B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tammy G.
23 December 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Cove (Houseboat)
Tammy G.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn M.
30 January 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wanderlust houseboat
Kathryn M.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dan S.
26 February 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun
Dan S.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Robin B.
3 August 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Slice of Heaven
Robin B.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ashley R.
6 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wagon
Ashley R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Katrina D.
24 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Phenomenal
Katrina D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
mike n.
4 March 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing get-away
mike n.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
About the host
Hosted by Erin Robinson

Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback