Escape to The Cove, where the gentle rocking of the river and peaceful sunset views will leave you refreshed. Enjoy a spacious open-concept kitchen, beautifully decorated living spaces with tall windows overlooking the Marina, an outdoor bar on your patio and comfortable furniture options for relaxation.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire house boat
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
The current price is AU$573
AU$573
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Add dates for prices
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.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car not required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In the city centre
On a river
On the waterfront
Safety features
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)
Fire extinguisher
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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-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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
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
Long-term renters welcome
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
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
We should mention
A car is not required for transport to and from this property
Property is also known as
436055
About the area
Located on the waterfront, this houseboat is in Downtown Wilmington, a neighbourhood in Wilmington. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Children's Museum of Wilmington and Hannah Block Historic USO Arts Center are also worth visiting. Visit our Wilmington travel guide
Is Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas pet-friendly?
Yes, this houseboat allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
As of 7 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 15 Mar 2026 start from AU$573, 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.
How much is parking at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas located?
Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is within a 10-minute walk of Riverwalk, Wilmington Convention Center and Cape Fear Community College. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Riverfront Park are also within 10 minutes.
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Inspiration @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews
Reviews
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.
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.
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. .
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
Being in this beautiful new houseboat was next level relaxing. Things worked great! Check in was flawless. Host was amazing. Do yourself a favor and stay here. Thank me later.
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!!!
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.