House boat

Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Photo gallery for Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Second floor patio overlooking Cape Fear River and Wilmington Riverwalk
Aerial view of The Cove from the South side
Outdoor dining
First floor open concept living/dining/kitchen
Full kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
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

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 @ 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

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Water view

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
-No flushing of anything other than natural waste and septic safe toilet paper(provided) -Children younger than 12 must be accompanied 24/7 for safety
-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

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 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Wilmington, NC

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, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 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

Frequently asked questions

Is Wanderlust @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this 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 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.

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 window
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

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ellis M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

tyquana p.

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

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

MILDRED E.

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

Steve E.

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

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

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

Bonnie G.

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

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

Christina D.

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

Great getaway

A wonderful stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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

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

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

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

Kirsten S.

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

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

Clark T.

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

Vacation getaway

Clean and beautiful!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy M.

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

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

Pam D.

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

lovely visit

Loved trying the HOUSEBOAT experience ~ thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Landon F.

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

Great experience!

We'll be back!
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

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

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

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

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

Dan S.

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

Fun

Quick fun getaway.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 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

About the host

Hosted by Erin Robinson

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests