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
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire house boat
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Barbecue
The current price is AU$653
AU$653
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
Add dates for prices
About this property
Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Summary:
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.
The Space:
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.
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?
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.
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
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Office
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
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)
First aid kit
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-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
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 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
Property is also known as
695bdf3b110504001573d300
About the area
Located in Wilmington, this houseboat is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Wilmington Railroad Museum and Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit The Cotton Exchange and Mayfaire Town Center. Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and Children's Museum of Wilmington are also worth visiting. Visit our Wilmington travel guide
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 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on 4 May 2026 start from AU$653, 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
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.
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.
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.
wayne j.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joseph
22 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The boathouse was amazing, beautiful well kept very clean
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.
The property was absolutely beautiful! Looked just like the pictures. The outside are at the end of the walkway with the outdoor seating and grill was really nice. The view was amazing from our deck. On our way out Zack was an awesome help getting our luggage to our vehicle in the pouring rain. He had such a wonderful spirit. We will definitely be returning.