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 pet-friendly houseboat offers a water park. Plus you'll find laundry facilities. .Attractions within a 30-minute drive of this Downtown Wilmington houseboat include University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach.
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 - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
Getting around
Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 13 min drive
Restaurants
Eagle's Dare - 13 min walk
Bonita Latin Fusion - 3 min walk
Tequila Comida & Cantina - 6 min walk
Marina Grill - 5 min walk
Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - 11 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.
Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas, Wilmington’s most unique vacation rental community!
Inspiration, a pet-friendly villa, is meticulously maintained to a level of cleanliness that even non-dog owners would appreciate. Located at the front of the dock with a back patio overlooking the Riverwalk, it`s perfect for outings with your furry friend. The villa is equipped with essentials like food/water bowls, paw towels, poop bags, and a bed cover for your pet.
Inspiration is located at slip #5, just three slips in 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 pull-out 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.
Our five dog-friendly villas—Inspiration, Lookout, Haven, Santorini, and Journey—are perfect for guests traveling with their furry friends. Each villa is equipped with water and food bowls, pet waste bags, pet wipes, black towels for wet paws, and protective covers for couches and beds, ensuring both comfort and convenience for you and your pup. We love welcoming dogs and making sure everyone has a memorable stay.
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 Be mindful of your surroundings, considerate of your neighbors & respectful of the river.
Walk Only Zone: For safety reasons, the dock is a walk-only zone. Running, jumping, cartwheels, and any other form of reckless behavior or unsafe activity are strictly prohibited.
No Swimming: For safety reasons, swimming in the river is not permitted.
Quiet Hours: Please keep noise to a minimum from 10 PM to 8 AM to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for all guests.
No Open Flames: Open flames, including fireworks, and fire pits, are strictly prohibited on the dock and houseboats. The only exception is our Blackstone grill at the end of the dock.
No Smoking: Smoking is not allowed on the dock or houseboats to ensure safety, comfort and clean air for all guests. Evidence of smoking will incur a $350 fine.
No Ride-On Equipment: Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and similar ride-on items are not to be ridden on the dock at any time. Mobility aids like wheelchairs and other accessibility devices are welcome.
Child Supervision: Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult at all times while on the dock.
Pets on Leashes: Animals must be kept on a leash and attended to at all times while on the dock.
No Fishing: For the safety of all guests, fishing is not permitted from the dock or houseboats. However, we encourage you to enjoy the beautiful Conlon Pier, located just next door on the Riverwalk, which offers a perfect spot for casting your line!
HVAC: Please follow posted instructions for HVAC use. Do NOT leave windows or doors open while HVAC is running.
Commercial photography/filming & event inquiries can be directed through our website.
Similar properties
Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”
Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Property does not allow children
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
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-only
-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 are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 2 pets
Service animals are exempt from fees.
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children.
Events
No events 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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
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.
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. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.
Property is also known as
436055
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
The closest beach to Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas is Wrightsville Beach (14.3 km).
How much does it cost to stay at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
As of 31 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 3 Nov 2025 start from AU$707.01, 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 Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a pool?
No, this houseboat doesn't have a pool.
Does Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a waterslide?
No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews
Reviews
10
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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 27 reviews
10 - Excellent
25
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 27 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
don s.
20 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice!! We’ll be back
don s.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
6 July 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great 4th
We come to see fireworks every year.l We passwd these houseboats thinking theyvwere owner houses not renters. So when i checked I jumped at the opportunity. I'm glad I did. It was amazing S3e you next year!!!
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Neil G.
21 Mar 2025
Neil G.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ellen M.
23 Feb 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great access to downtown. Comfortable, staff is fabulous and the Villa was well equipped
Perfect
Ellen M.
Stayed 14 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
James M.
26 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
The online listing was spot on. The unit was fully stocked with everything you would need. We cooked all of our meals in the unit and there was nothing needed. Comfy beds, great water pressure in the shower and nice fluffy towels. Being right on the Riverwalk was also a nice plus especially once we had our two dogs. Dog bowls, dog treats and dog towels to top it off.
James M.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
David E.
16 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Boat reception
Had a lot of fun , much better than a hotel
David E.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kristi F.
14 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing alternative
Inspiration had everything we needed to make it a comfy stay. Houseboat was pristine and stocked. Coffee on the deck in the morning was great way to start the day.
Kristi F.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
8/10 Good
Emalie L.
10 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
Great property - our second visit. Would
Stay again but attention was needed in upstairs shower- doubt it was cleaned, maybe rinsed but definitely not scrubbed. Bedrooms were warm at night so slept with room doors open. Would stay again. Luv luv luv the upstairs outdoor space. .
Emalie L.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gary G.
29 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very Unique Experience
The houseboat experience was a first for our family and the location is well within walking distance of a lovely downtown. There are two issues that the host needs to be aware. We were a party of six and the sleeper did not have sheets, pillows, or blankets. Similarly, there were only 6 towels for our party during a 5 night stay. Laundry was available which made the towel supply workable.
Gary G.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
jane e.
3 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Very relaxing!
Everything we needed was walking distance. Beautiful sunsets!
jane e.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Heather N.
15 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Restful stay on houseboat
Our recent stay at The Cove Floating Villa in Wilmington, NC, was a great experience, despite the challenges posed by an unexpected tropical storm. The property manager was regularly in touch to ensure we were safe and comfortable.
This unique accommodation was comfortable, clean and modern. The amenities, such as a W&D, were much appreciated. We enjoyed a lot of time on the top deck, relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Located close to the boardwalk, we were close enough to walk to local restaurants and shops. A few restaurants that stood out were The Basics (everything!), Beer Barrio (pork tacos), the newly opened Dough House (pizza), and Quanto Basta (olive oil cake).
Wilmington is very dog-friendly, as is The Cove, with many restaurants and bars happy to have pets on the patio.
I highly recommend The Cove.
Heather N.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Julia D.
9 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break 2024
Julia D.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
8/10 Good
Scott H.
11 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Neat experience.
Only two issues. The door would not lock. Was addressed immediately. Air was excellent except for the master which was 10-15 degrees warmer. Found it a bit difficult to sleep in warm. Otherwise, we really enjoyed this experience and walking to most everything we needed. Had great dining experiences. Our Host, Summer, was very attentive and helpful. Would definitely do again. Wish there was a pet friendly houseboat with a more expansive water view. The people watching on the river walk was fun. Thank you.
Scott H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Linda H.
7 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Love love love the Villa
We had a really great time enjoyed our stay.
Linda H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
crystal t.
24 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place
Had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. They explained parking and check in great so everything went smoothly. Will stay again.
crystal t.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lori S., Commack, NY
20 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Happiness on the water
We loved the house boat and can’t wait to return.
Lori S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Donna P.
10 Mar 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
So cool
This place was so nice!! So cool on the water and great views!!
Donna P.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Samantha P.
6 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely place to just hang out
We had a memorable and fun stay for Thanksgiving with lovely weather. The upstairs deck and living room is the best. We absolutely loved it. I suffer with motion sickness and got a bit woozy so if you are prone do make sure to have your Dramamine with you and you will be all set
Samantha P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Holly S.
2 Dec 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful accommodations and location!
Beautiful property and accessible to great restaurants.
Holly S.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tammy T.
6 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect!
We absolutely love staying here! We appreciate all the extras and the decor is outstanding!!!
We can't wait for our next trip!
Thank you!
Tammy T.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Teresa B.
26 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Beautiful
We needed to get away and wanted something different. This was perfect. The pictures do not do it justice. Inspiration at The Cove was like something out of a magazine. From having wine on the deck overlooking the Riverwalk to just relaxing inside was just what we needed. The furniture is both beautiful and comfortable. The gentle movement of the water was so relaxing. We even experienced a tropical storm and felt totally safe. We will definitely go back.
Teresa B.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chris F.
17 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent spot
Place was great alll the way around.
Chris F.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lisa W.
6 July 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
My family and I stayed 4 nights in this wonderful floating villa over July 4th weekend. We found it to be beautifully decorated, very comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. The unit itself is new so everything in it is brand new at this point. The kitchen was well stocked with everything we needed from paper products, dish and dishwasher detergents to all the pots/pans, dishes and utensils you could possibly need (including a pizza cutter!). The beds were very comfortable and the bathrooms were roomy and well stocked with shampoo, conditioner, hand soaps and soft towels. We enjoyed relaxing on the top deck that had comfortable seating and provided shade throughout the day and evening. (Note: this villa overlooks the Riverwalk and Embassy Suites hotel). The location is within a 0.5 mile walk to downtown Wilmington (either walk on the Riverwalk or along Front St.) to find great restaurants and shops. We enjoyed the Marina Grill restaurant at the end of the pier (2 minute walk) and the live bands that were playing on the pier both Friday and Saturday nights that we were there. We had a few questions during our stay and Marcia responded very quickly and was extremely helpful. Overall, it was a very pleasant stay and the host and staff were attentive and dedicated to ensuring our stay was a 5 star experience.
Lisa W.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay W.
28 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place!
We enjoyed staying on the house boat. It’s an easy walk to Live Oak Pavilion to see a concert. We could walk to Front street for a good breakfast the next morning too. There was plenty of room for us, and bathrooms were big too. We enjoyed the upper balcony space off the den on the water. We would stay there again for sure! Cute furnishings too.
Lindsay W.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kat Y.
9 June 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
What a Blast!
This was one of the coolest, most fun vacation homes we’ve ever stayed in. What could be better than a vacation rental that is literally floating in the harbor! Spectacular views, especially the sunset. The Cove is fairly new I believe. Excellent communication from our host. Easy directions! Had slight trouble with the key to get in but if you wiggle it a bit and remain patient, you’ll be inside this adorable, super clean, very well appointed, floating gem! Decor was simple but classy. We did not use the kitchen for meals but it’s very well stocked. Coffee and creamers were provided by the host. The bed linens were so comfortable … 5 star hotel comfort … and the bath towels etc were plush. I’ve already recommended The Cove to family and friends and we will definitely be back!!!