Entire house boat

Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Houseboat in Wilmington, steps from Riverwalk

Photo gallery for Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV
Smart TV
Smart TV
Located in Historic Downtown Wilmington, The Cove offers a unique fusion of comfort and adventure with its spacious villas floating atop the Cape Fear River. Unwind on the upstairs patio featuring an outdoor bar or enjoy live music coming from Marina Grill, our delicious on-site restaurant.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire apartment

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$790
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire apartment to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas

Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas, Wilmington’s most unique vacation rental community!



Welcome to Malibu, your luxurious getaway, offering the best view of the historic Battleship NC right from your back patio. This stunning houseboat features neutral and sophisticated decor, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere for your stay. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, our houseboat provides the perfect setting for a memorable experience on the water.



Malibu is located at slip #37, at the end of the dock 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.



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

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • 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

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

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

  • Basketball nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Windsurfing 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
  • Deadbolt lock

Similar properties

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

-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

Pets not 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 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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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

Property is also known as

436087

About the area

Located in Wilmington, this houseboat is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Children's Museum of Wilmington are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit The Cotton Exchange and Mayfaire Town Center. Carolina Heights and Cape Fear Museum are also worth visiting. With waterskiing, water tubing and windsurfing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 6 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Eagle's Dare - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Bonita Latin Fusion - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Tequila Comida & Cantina - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Mellow Mushroom Wilmington - Downtown - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬6 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

As of 5 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 4 Nov 2025 start from AU$790.23, 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.

What time is check-in at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas located?

Located in the heart of Wilmington, this houseboat is within a 10-minute walk of Riverwalk, Wilmington Convention Center and Cape Fear Community College. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College are also within 10 minutes.

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Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The boathouse was amazing, beautiful well kept very clean
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alissa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful location!

We loved everything about this trip! The property was clean, perfectly located and so peaceful! Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great way to stay in Wilmington!

The property was great. It was already cooled down when we walked in which I love and it was very clean. Nicely laid out, everything was at an updated level and balcony looking at the water was great. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!!!!

The owners were fantastic! The houseboat was impressive to say the least. Nothing was missing! The details in the decor were beautiful! We enjoyed our stay so much and can’t wait to return soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

wayne j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful & Peaceful

Staying in the house boat was one of the cooler things we have done. It was even nicer than the pictures. The marina and river walk are some much fun and great restaurants. It was a 10 out of 10. We will be back for sure.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024