This houseboat puts you in the heart of Wilmington, within steps of Riverwalk and Wilmington Convention Center. Highlights at this houseboat include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .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
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
Getting around
Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 12 min drive
Restaurants
Copper Penny - 13 min walk
Eagle's Dare - 12 min walk
Java Dog Coffee House - 10 min walk
Cape Fear Wine And Beer - 13 min walk
Sip Tiki Bar - 11 min walk
About this property
Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Summary:
Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas, Wilmington’s most unique vacation rental community!
With its cozy patio overlooking the boats in the Port City Marina, Explore is a great spot to enjoy the view of the water. Inside, the adventurous and eclectic decor invites you to relax and get inspired, with unique touches that reflect a love for exploration. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset on the deck or unwinding in one of the cozy living rooms, Explore promises a memorable, one-of-a-kind stay.
The Space:
Explore is located at slip #6, just a few slips down on the marina 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.
Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the entire villa for the duration of their stay.
The Neighborhood:
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.
Getting Around:
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.
Other Things to Note:
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?
We're excited to share that The Cove is growing! As part of our expansion, you may notice some changes to the views from certain villas. We do our best to keep our photos current, but given the pace of construction, updates may not always reflect the latest changes.
Please note that our north-facing villas, which have previously enjoyed marina views, will now overlook our community along B Dock. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and we look forward to welcoming you as The Cove continues to evolve into something even better!
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
Please note: A separate rental agreement is required to be signed within 48 hours of booking. This agreement provides important property specific rules and regulations in compliance with the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act and can be reviewed in advance upon request.
Interaction with Guests:
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.
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No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
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-o...
-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
No pets allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
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
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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 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. 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
695bdf3db094da00125296f9
Frequently asked questions
Are there any beaches close to Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
The closest beach to Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas is Wrightsville Beach (14.3 km).
How much does it cost to stay at Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 2 June 2026 start from AU$649, 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 Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a pool?
No, this houseboat doesn't have a pool.
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas does not offer an airport shuttle service.
What time are check-in & check-out at Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Are pets allowed at Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, pets are not allowed.
Explore @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews
Reviews
9.8
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. 10 out of 11 reviews
10 - Excellent
10
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 11 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 11 reviews
6 - Okay
1
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Lynda B., Bel Air, MD
16 Apr 2026
Lynda B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
10/10 Excellent
Scott H.
6 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Such a great and cute place! The host was very responsive, the houseboat was extremely clean and the location was wonderful. No complaints.
Scott H.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kenyada P.
27 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a beautiful property with the best hospitality. Food and entertainment is within walking distance. I enjoyed my stay and most definitely will return.
Kenyada P.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Colette R.
22 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome
I truly enjoyed my stay at the EXPLORE houseboat villa. Everything looked exactly like the pictures. All directions provided were accurate as well. I wish there was a ceiling fan on the top deck (we did find a small fan to use outside though) but other than that everything was perfect! We will be back!!!
We loved our stay here. The place was beautiful, and the concept of the house boats was so unique. We loved hanging out on the patio overlooking the marina. It was great walking distance to downtown. This will be our new go to spot whenever staying in Wilmington.
Mackenzie P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mary J F.
11 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Birthday retreat!
I wanted to do something different for my birthday & The Cove villa was perfect! It’s equipped with almost everything & spotless clean! We enjoyed views of the marina, daytime relaxing on the balcony & the restaurant options close by. Andrew was a real help getting us settled in! Definitely hope to return soon!
Mary J F.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Donna S.
8 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
The houseboat was amazing. We are definitely coming back. It was roomy and decorated beautifully. Loved every minute of our stay