Heart of Wilmington.At this Downtown Wilmington houseboat, you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Riverwalk and Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Cape Fear Community College and Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College are also within half a mile (1 km).
Wilmington Convention Center - 6 min walk - 0.3 miles
Cape Fear Community College - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 2.9 miles
Getting around
Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 6 min drive
Restaurants
Brunch Thyme - 11 min walk
Eagle's Dare - 14 min walk
Bonita Latin Fusion - 4 min walk
Tequila Comida & Cantina - 1 min walk
Marina Grill - 1 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.
Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Welcome to The Cove Riverwalk Villas, Wilmington’s most unique vacation rental community!
Tranquility offers an exceptional waterfront escape, providing enchanting views of the Riverwalk. This spacious and simplistic houseboat offers the added convenience of a sofa bed and workspace, both located in the spacious upstairs living room. Tranquility accommodates up to six guests, making it an idyllic retreat for a girls or guys weekend, birthday celebration or a quiet getaway.
Tranquility is located at slip #27, about two-thirds of the way down 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
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
Deadbolt lock
General
Electric car charging station
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
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
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
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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
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, 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. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
436061
Frequently asked questions
How close is Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to the airport?
This houseboat is 3.5 mi (6-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this houseboat.
How close is Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to the beach?
This houseboat is 12.3 mi (19-min drive) from Wrightsville Beach and 17.6 mi (29-min drive) from Carolina Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas offer free breakfast?
This houseboat does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, there is no casino at this houseboat.
What time is check-in at Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Free parking is not available at this houseboat.
Does Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a pool?
This houseboat does not have a pool.
Does Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this houseboat.
How close is Tranquility @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to downtown Wilmington?
This houseboat is 0.8 mi away from Wilmington.
Reviews
Tranquility @ 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
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 32 reviews
10 - Excellent
32
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 32 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 32 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 32 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 32 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Dawn K.
Jan 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
So unique!
This is our second time staying at the cove. We absolutely loved it. The properties were decorated for the Xmas holiday and there was even a beautiful fully decorated tree in our unit. Walk to so many restaurants so you can’t beat the convenience. Parking was easy and they have wagons available if you need help with luggage. We will definitely be back
Dawn K.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
THOMAS R.
Dec 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
This stay was one of our top three all time. The property was immaculate well kept and location was perfect.
THOMAS R.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tracee P.
Dec 9, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Hidden Gem
absolutely love this property… I exceeded our expectations on every level. The host was very communicative and accommodating. this houseboat was well-maintained and super clean… Love the overall atmosphere and would definitely come back to stay in the future! Would recommend a place to any of my friends and family
I would like to say. The Cove was an Excellent place for my wife and I to spend our Anniversary which was on that Monday that we arrived. It was everything I expected it to be. I will tell everyone how excellent this place was. I will be coming back soon. I would like to thank the Cove Riverwalk villas for making my wife and I stay welcoming.
Antwan
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dawn K.
Nov 3, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
The most unique accommodations with outstanding attention to detail and ensuring you had everything you would need. Great views. Great location. Highly recommend
Dawn K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Marc H.
Sep 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing
Awesome place! Very clean and close to downtown.
Marc H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tony S.
Aug 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Tony S.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Yolanda B.
Jul 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nothing Short of Amazing
My family and I stayed here for my mom’s birthday weekend and it was absolutely amazing. Very peaceful and relaxing. Walking distance to a few restaurants and a short drive to many more. Our host was always in communication with us about things we needed to know and did so in a timely manner. The houseboats are close to each other but everyone was respectful of their neighbors. We will definitely be returning in the near future. Great experience!
Yolanda B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Mike C.
Apr 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Local Staycation
Incredible and very cool
Mike C.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ginger G.
Mar 29, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Surprisingly Quiet Location
We were reluctant to book this villa because my husband is sensitive to noise pollution and I'm sensitive to light pollution. Our friend's son, who lives nearby, convinced us that this location would be better than the hotel we had originally booked, so we decided to take a chance. We are so glad we did! It was such a great experience for our whole group. It is close enough to local restaurants and things to do that we didn't need our car the entire time we were there except to go to the beach. Communication with management was excellent from start to finish, including when we had an issue with someone who was smoking on an adjacent villa. They did confirm that smoking is not allowed anywhere on the pier, including on the decks. Clean-up was easy, we just had to start the dishwasher, take the trash and recycling out to the dumpster and put the towels in the hamper. We've already recommended these villas to friends and would absolutely stay here again. The only thing I would recommend to the owners are light blocking shades in the bedrooms and pull strings on a few of the taller shades on the bottom floor. It was awkward pulling them down and up given their location and how tall they are. If you don't like to walk, or have someone in your group who has difficulty doing so, I would not recommend staying here. There's a ramp leading down to the dock that rises and lowers depending on the tide and can be quite steep.
Ginger G.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Andrew M.
Mar 24, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing. Nice walking location, shops and restaurants
Excellent. Very impressive.
Andrew M.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Amy V.
Mar 19, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay
The houseboat was clean and fully stocked. There was plenty of room for the two of us. We enjoyed the deck during the day. It was nice to walk to restaurants in the evening.
Amy V.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brooke C.
Feb 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Best Bachelorette!
We loved our stay!!! The boat was gorgeous, spacious, clean and had literally anything you might need! A bunch of gals on this trip and everyone one of us wants to book the boat to come back! The owner was simply great too!
Brooke C.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
10/10 Excellent
Beth S.
Jan 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Son’s Wedding Weekend
What a fabulous weekend! Our son got married at a nearby venue and we thought that we deserved a special stay on a houseboat in downtown Wilmington! We were not disappointed! Evenings were best, sitting outside looking at the reflection of lights on the river. We even laughed with our neighbors about our remote controlling their ceilings fan and lights! Would definitely recommend to a friend!
Beth S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tracy P.
Jan 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
The ultimate in tranquility
This was an amazing experience! The houseboat was awesome - even better than the pictures. All of the furnishings from floor rugs to bed linens were so soft and luxurious. The inside of the boat felt so peaceful and tranquil. The beds were incredibly comfortable. The kitchen was well-stocked with all the tools we needed for breakfast each morning. We spent a lot of time in the cozy upstairs living room. It was nice to look out the door and see water right there. We were a little concerned about the 4-minute walk to the houseboat in the VRBO listing, but it's a pleasant walk from the gravel parking lot down the sidewalk to the marina and then down through the marina to the boat. That was one of our favorite parts actually. And the dock is gated, which made us feel very secure. The check-in was super easy and came with helpful instructions so there was no guessing about where to park or how to get there. This section of downtown Wilmington was very peaceful and quiet. We saw a lot of walkers and dog walkers nearby. It is very close to restaurants and things to do and there's also a water taxi that runs in warmer months to get you closer to some of the restaurants by boat. The host was really kind and super fast to respond to our email. I was a bit worried about whether the boat would rock a lot. I do get motion sick, but it was fine. It moved some which was nice, but nothing dramatic. It was a relaxing and peaceful retreat for us and we will definitely be back.
Tracy P.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sarah M.
Dec 20, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Dreamy and unique!
We have never stayed at a boathouse before and absolutely loved our stay here! This property felt so inviting was beautifully decorated. We were pleasantly surprised the bed was comfortable which can be a bit of a gamble when you’re renting. Washer and dryer was a big plus. My only suggestion is for wider curtains downstairs as they do not cover the front sliding door completely when closed. You can still see people walking by. We have already shared the property with many of our friends and I would come back in the future!
Sarah M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Sherri N.
Nov 27, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful experience
My husband and I stayed here, and it could not have been a better choice. The property was in a great location, in perfect condition, and the owner was very attentive. The beds were very comfortable and the kitchen had everything we needed. We will definitely be coming back.
Sherri N.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Katherine M.
Oct 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
This place is lovely
This place was absolutely perfect. Very clean and spacious. You cannot feel the boat rocking on the water. The upper deck is gorgeous with the water. This was a great trip. The property manager answered all my questions. Will definitely book again.
Katherine M.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Katie H., Cary, NC
Oct 22, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Run course on a house boat!
Perfect location for IMNC right on the run course by t-2 clean, fun experience
Katie H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Laura K., NC, USA
Oct 8, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautifully decorated houseboat!
The houseboat is so comfortable- the beds, soft furnishings, back patio with nice view of the Cape Fear. Feels tucked away but at the same time right in the action and in walking distance of some yummy restaurants. Great communication with the property manager.
Laura K.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Melissa D.
Oct 2, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
The hosts were responsive, the place was wonderful and the location was awesome!
Melissa D.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Sep 24, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Great time had by all!
Beautiful property! Great communication with the host!
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jorie D., Apex, USA
Jul 25, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
We can’t wait to go back!
We enjoyed our stay! It’s decorated beautifully. The location is the best in the marina, and it’s easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the amphitheater.
Jorie D.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Rebekah K.
Jul 12, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Finally a clean place to stay
The villa river cove houseboat was an amazing and unique experience. When we arrived the instructions on how to get to the villa were very clear and easy. The villa smelled brand new. All furniture was comfortable. Kitchen well stocked. So many extras were provided which kept us from having to pack so much. Good communication with the owner. And it was clean!! Loved hearing the live bands on the riverfront at the marina. Toured the battleship and shopped down town. Romantic and cozy place to stay. We truly enjoyed it! Thanks so much for a great time!
Rebekah K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
10/10 Excellent
Megan H.
Jul 11, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Mother/Daughter Weekend
My mom, sister, and I could not have asked for a better weekend together on the house boat. The home was stunning-beautifully decorated and exceptionally clean. It was very spacious and had everything we needed. Located just minutes from shopping, dining, and other activities made it even better. We appreciated the host always having quick and friendly communication with us. We hope to visit again soon!