Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is adjacent to Riverwalk and within a 5-minute walk of Wilmington Convention Center. Guestrooms at this houseboat include kitchens, balconies, and refrigerators.
Wilmington Convention Center - 4 min walk - 0.2 miles
Cape Fear Community College - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
Battleship North Carolina - 6 min drive - 3.1 miles
Getting around
Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 14 min drive
Restaurants
Eagle's Dare - 10 min walk
Bonita Latin Fusion - 1 min walk
Tequila Comida & Cantina - 3 min walk
Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - 11 min walk
Marina Grill - 3 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
Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a kitchen, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms.
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 available
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
-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
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
This property doesn't 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
Onsite 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 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, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm 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
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
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, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Property is also known as
436055
Frequently asked questions
What's there to do near this houseboat?
This houseboat is situated in Downtown Wilmington, just steps from Riverwalk, and within a 10-minute walk of Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College. You'll also find Cape Fear River and Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews less than a mile away.
Will I be able to park at this houseboat?
No, this houseboat doesn't offer parking.
Is this houseboat next to a casino?
No, this houseboat is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this houseboat?
No, there is no indoor pool at this houseboat.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
At this riverfront houseboat, amenities that appeal to couples include a kitchen and a smart TV in each accommodation with some featuring kitchens.
Are there hot tubs at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, this houseboat doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this houseboat provide breakfast?
No, this houseboat doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this houseboat allow pets to stay for free?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this houseboat.
Are there connecting rooms at this houseboat?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this houseboat.
Where is the closest airport to this houseboat?
The closest major airport to this houseboat is Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM), which is 4.7 mi away (14 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Yes, every accommodation at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas comes with a balcony with some featuring water views.
Reviews
Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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.
10/10
Cleanliness
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
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
don s.
Sep 20, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice!! We’ll be back
don s.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Jul 6, 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 traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Neil G.
Mar 21, 2025
Neil G.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ellen M.
Feb 23, 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.
Dec 26, 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.
Dec 16, 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.
Nov 14, 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.
Nov 10, 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.
Oct 29, 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.
Oct 3, 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.
Aug 15, 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.
Aug 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring Break 2024
Julia D.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
8/10 Good
Scott H.
Jul 11, 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.
Jul 7, 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.
Jun 24, 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
Mar 20, 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.
Mar 10, 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.
Dec 6, 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.
Dec 2, 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.
Oct 6, 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.
Sep 26, 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.
Sep 17, 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.
Jul 6, 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.
Jun 28, 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.
Jun 9, 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!!!