Entire house boat

Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington

your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

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

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

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Wilmington, NC
  • Riverwalk
    1 min walk
  • Wilmington Convention Center
    6 min walk
  • Cape Fear Community College
    6 min walk
  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    11 min drive

Room options

About the area

Wilmington

This houseboat puts you in the heart of Wilmington, steps from Riverwalk and within a 10-minute stroll of Wilmington Convention Center. Highlights at this houseboat include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .This smoke-free houseboat offers a water park. .Attractions within a 30-minute drive of this Downtown Wilmington houseboat include University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 4.7 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 11 min drive

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

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 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!

Property manager

Erin Robinson

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

  • Laundromat nearby
  • 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

  • No pets 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
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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington?

The closest beach to Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington is Wrightsville Beach (14.3 km).

How much does it cost to stay at Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington?

As of 22 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington on 8 Dec 2024 start from AU$847.49, 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.

Does Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington have a pool?

No, this houseboat doesn't have a pool.

Does Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington have a waterslide?

No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington?

No, Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington?

No, pets are not allowed.

Wanderlust at The Cove - Luxury Houseboat - Downtown Wilmington Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 30 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 32 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

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

Travis L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Travis L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

William R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth C.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Katrina D.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Suzanne B.

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

10/10 Excellent

Ashley R.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Christina D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great getaway
A wonderful stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Harold C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couples git away
The unit was very nice and smelled new. We did find several cockroaches throughout the stay upstairs. In the photo there were no houseboats near ours so we chose it for a quiet retreat. When we got there we had neighbors on both sides. They were all nice but a bit too close for us. We will stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to unwind
Had an amazing time at Wanderlust 31. I am so excited about returning, and it will be soon. My only suggestion to those who are staying for the first time do not leave your beach wagon. Your wagon is needed to transport your items from your car to the boathouse. Other than that, everything was perfect hurry up and booked your stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pam D., Bolivia

Liked: Cleanliness
lovely visit
Loved trying the HOUSEBOAT experience ~ thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Big Daddy
Exceptional! I wish I could buy the property! The only place I will stay in Wilmington from now on!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandy Nicole E.

Liked: Cleanliness
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
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

mike n.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

Dan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun
Quick fun getaway.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alex G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Unwind
It was great and we love the location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024