Downtown Wilmington stay.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.
Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Welcome to The Cove, Wilmington`s most unique vacation rental community!
Serenity welcomes you to a serene waterfront experience with its refreshing green accents and earthy decor. Overlooking the marina from the back patio, this houseboat offers captivating views that create a sense of calm and relaxation. The mindfully designed interior features a sofa bed and workspace in the second floor living room, making it a peaceful oasis where you can work, unwind, and rejuvenate in perfect harmony.
Serenity is located at slip #24, about halfway down the dock on the marina 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 have full access to the entire villa during 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
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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 not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
Unit size: 1,200 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
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
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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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.
Property is also known as
436063
Frequently asked questions
How close is Serenity @ 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.
How much does it cost to stay at Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
As of Oct 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas on Oct 27, 2025 start from $273.7, excluding 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.
Does Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this houseboat.
How close is Serenity @ 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 Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas offer free breakfast?
This houseboat does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, there is no casino at this houseboat.
What time is check-in at Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Free parking is not available at this houseboat.
Does Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a pool?
This houseboat does not have a pool.
Does Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this houseboat.
How close is Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to downtown Wilmington?
This houseboat is 0.8 mi away from Wilmington.
Serenity @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas Reviews
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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 5 out of 5 reviews
10 - Excellent
5
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 5 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Mita P.
Aug 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Had a wonderful stay and did not hurt that weather was great as well!
Mita P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kathy B.
May 1, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent Accommodations
Everything was top quality, very clean, and very convenient to restaurants and shops. The view from the upper deck was amazing.
Kathy B.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Taylor B.
Aug 17, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
We will be back!
We got away for 2 nights, but next time I believe 3 would be better. Ive been looking at these houseboats on Instagram, and was a much easier mini vacation, then trying to make it all the way to the West Coast to Sausalito (on bucket list). My 5 year loved going to see the battle ship (direct view end of dock) a few times a day. We toured it as part of this adventure. Lots of walkable dinner spots!
A few surprises - they had a lot of kitchen stuff (salt pepper, olive oil, sugar, pam, ect). The pull out couch was VERY comfortable. Never laid on one like that! I meant to check the brand of the sectional/pull out bed! We all had our own bedrooms, but the 5 year deemed the pull out couch his room. During moving night, we all fell asleep on the couch bed!
Taylor B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Patty J., Apex, NC
Jun 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Serenity at The Cove - Awesome Property & Experience!
We made it a 3 day weekend & booked a trip to Wilmington as we had family coming to NC to visit/vacation with us & thought a trip to the coast would be fun & a stay on a boathouse would be a treat & Serenity at The Cove was exceptional. The property is outstanding, so well kept, the boathouse was stylishly decorated, there was 5 of us, 4 adults and a child, and we had plenty of room. We really enjoyed the upstairs deck, sitting out on the deck on the water in the evening was a highlight.
The boathouse was stocked with everything you need and more- there's nothing that they don't cover. Summer, was our point of contact and she was fantastic, very helpful. Will 10/10 recommend - it's different from renting a house or staying at a hotel and made the experience so fun for adults and child in our party. We're ready to go back!
Patty J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Corynne J.
Jul 30, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing time& stay
We came for Grizmas in July which was located just down the street from the houseboat location. We could not have asked for a better stay and experience. Cozy and stylish decor, super clean, and had every amenity we could ask for. Would 100% come back!