City center stay.Within a 10-minute walk of the houseboat, you'll find Riverwalk and Wilmington Convention Center. Cape Fear Community College and Wilmington Railroad Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).
Wilmington Convention Center - 4 min walk - 0.2 miles
Cape Fear Community College - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
Getting around
Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 12 min drive
Restaurants
Bonita Latin Fusion - 3 min walk
Tequila Comida & Cantina - 7 min walk
Eagle's Dare - 12 min walk
Marina Grill - 6 min walk
Drift Coffee & Kitchen - 11 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.
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!
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
Deadbolt lock
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
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
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. 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
436087
Frequently asked questions
How close is Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to the airport?
This houseboat is 4.8 mi (12-min drive) away from the Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this houseboat.
How close is Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to the beach?
This houseboat is 12.6 mi (24-min drive) from Wrightsville Beach and 17.4 mi (38-min drive) from Carolina Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Does Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas offer free breakfast?
This houseboat does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
No, there is no casino at this houseboat.
What time is check-in at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas?
Free parking is not available at this houseboat.
Does Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a pool?
This houseboat does not have a pool.
Does Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this houseboat.
How close is Malibu @ The Cove Riverwalk Villas to downtown Wilmington?
This houseboat is 0.6 mi away from Wilmington.
Malibu @ 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. 6 out of 6 reviews
10 - Excellent
6
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 6 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Amenities
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Shielda L.
Aug 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Shielda L.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alissa L.
Nov 2, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful location!
We loved everything about this trip! The property was clean, perfectly located and so peaceful! Will definitely stay again!
Alissa L.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Gary W.
Sep 8, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
Gary W.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
wayne j.
Apr 26, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.
wayne j.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Tracey M.
Feb 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
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.