• As low as $434/Night
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
rental image 1

General Features

  • 2 bathrooms
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Balcony
  • Basketball nearby
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Blender
  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Deadbolt lock
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Free WiFi
  • Golf nearby
  • Hair dryer
  • Heating
  • Ice maker
  • In the city center
  • Living room
  • Marina nearby
  • Microwave
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near laundromat
  • No pets allowed
  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • Onsite parking
  • Onsite parking options include a garage
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Power boating nearby
  • Refrigerator
  • Sailing nearby
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Smart TV
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Smoke-free property
  • Soap
  • Stovetop
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided
  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

About this Property

  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • House boat

Welcome to The Cove, the only luxury dockside rental community of its kind.

Floating atop the Cape Fear River in Historic Downtown Wilmington, our roomy villas blur the lines between home and boat, offering an unparalleled fusion of comfort and adventure.

Whether you seek a peaceful hideaway or a crowd pleasing option for a group trip, our houseboats provide the ideal backdrop for making memorable memories.

@thecove_wilmington (IG/FB/TT)

The Space:

After parking in our complimentary lot (1 spot per villa) and making the 4 min. walk down onto the docks of the Port City Marina, you’ll arrive at The Cove, Riverwalk Villas. Secured with dock ties and connected to electricity and water, you'll quickly realize that a stay at our dockside community offers the ideal mix of adventure, luxury and relaxation.

Upon entering your villa, you’ll notice the cavernous open concept kitchen/dining/living area and think to yourself, "I should have brought more friends!" (Don't worry, there's always next time.)

Cooking & Eating:
With a dining table that seats four, three benches along the island, and a kitchen supplied with everything you need to make a great meal, you could actually host your next Thanksgiving here. Complementary coffee, creamer and sugar are included, alongside a drip coffee maker.

Living Room 1:
If cooking isn't your idea of fun, you may be more drawn to the delightfully decorated downstairs living space, where you can relax on the comfortable couch surrounded by tall windows that overlook the Marina.

Bathroom 1:
Just past the common area is the first floor bathroom, which features a walk-in shower and full size washer and dryer. Complementary shampoo, conditioner and body wash are supplied in each of the bathrooms, as well as laundry pods, dryer sheets, hair dryer and a steamer.

Bedroom 1 (Queen):
Connected by a pocket door is the downstairs bedroom with a Queen bed, huge closet, ceiling fan, 40" Intelligent TV, and access door to the cozy back patio; a great spot for some peaceful reading or alone time.

Living Room 2:
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover another enormous living space with a 55" Intelligent TV and a pretty view of the Cape Fear River through the sliding glass doors.

Upstairs Patio:
Just outside those doors, you'll find yourself on a sizable patio featuring an outdoor bar (sink & mini refrigerator), and a variety of cozy furnishings options. This patio is a fan favorite for everything from morning coffee, afternoon reading, evening spirits, or appreciating a meal. In the Summer months, you'll often hear live music coming from Marina Grille, our delicious on-site restaurant, or Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, which is only a block away.

Bedroom 2 (King):
Back inside and beyond the living room is the second floor bedroom, featuring a King bed, dresser, huge closet, ceiling fan & 55" Intelligent TV.

Bathroom 2:
The pocket door connects you from the bedroom to the second floor full bath.

Location:

The Cove is located in Port City Marina, which sits on the North end of the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington. Just a few steps from the Wilmington Convention Center and one block from both The Wilson Center, and Live Nation's Live Oak Bank Pavilion Amphitheater, a stay at The Cove offers the ideal solution for those wanting to avoid the chaos of parking, event traffic, and needing a DD.

Less than a mile away you'll find the heart of Historic Downtown Wilmington. Whether you choose to stroll along the Riverwalk, take the complimentary trolley, or drive a few blocks down Water Street, getting there is simple. With many local stores, eateries, breweries, live music, and events, Downtown offers something for everybody to appreciate. Check out our Guidebook or "Wilmington and Beaches" online for recommendations and events.

Beyond the borders of Downtown, a fast 8 min. drive or Uber ride will get you to the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and within a 10 mile radius you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Jungle Rapids amusement/water park, UNCW (Go Seahawks!) and much more.

If you're interested in bringing your boat, our friends at Port City Marina would adore to rent you a slip! Please reach out to them directly to coordinate that for the dates of your stay.

If this Villa is not available during your preferred time frame, please check out the listings for our other Riverwalk Villas at The Cove, and don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. We would appreciate to have you Stay Afloat!

Neighborhood Description:

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. Located on the photogenic 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 elegant villas, boasting thoughtfully designed angled slips, beautiful 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:

Free parking is supplied for one car per villa. Our parking lot is located about 1,000 feet (4 min 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.

If you will have more than one car, we recommend grabbing a spot in the Wilmington Convention Center parking garage located right next-door. Daily prices in the garage depend on season/events.

Check in method:
Specific directions including getting to the marina, gate & door codes and wifi information will be messaged to you the morning of your stay.

About the Area

Located in Wilmington, this houseboat is in the city center 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 water skiing, water tubing, and windsurfing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

Special Instructions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Pet Policy

Pets not allowed

How to get the best vacation rental experience:

Get the most from your rental budget:

  • Reserve your vacation home as early as possible. Rental schedules often become available twelve months in advance (or in September just after Summertime ends). Many groups book their Summer vacation rentals during Winter holiday gatherings. Book before these holidays for best selection.
  • To find the best value, shift your family's Cape Fear area vacation week to the Spring or Fall seasons. May, September, and October offer excellent weather, , and reduced traffic. Many vacationers use this method to reserve larger homes, or to book a beach front rental that would otherwise be unaffordable during the Summer months.
  • Property management companies sometimes offer rate reductions for active duty military and veterans. Ask your host or property manager if special discounts are available for your group.
  • Booking websites frequently offer customers an option to purchase trip insurance. Trip insurance, which will generally cost 1% - 5% of the booking price, offers visitors reimbursement of costs for any missed days as a result of personal medical-related catastrophes or weather disasters, as well as hurricane evacuation costs or charges, such as an unexpected hotel or extra gas expenses. Trip insurance is definitely a life-saver if the unforeseen happens. Ask the property owner for additional information.
  • Look for your local Cape Fear area visitors guide magazine upon checking in. If your rental home doesn't have one, you can find them at local shops and visitor centers. In addition to great local stories, visitor guides have coupons for nearby accommodations, restaurants and tours.

Finding the best rental in the Cape Fear area area:

  • To start, have your group agree to date ranges and a max budget.
  • Determine how many beds and the bed configuration your group requires. Malibu at The Cove - Riverwalk Villas in Downtown Wilmington has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. If you need a larger or smaller rental, use our rentals search.
  • Precise descriptions of bedrooms and bed counts is commonly accessible on booking pages. If they are not listed, email the property management company before you reserve the home. Note that most property listings specify the max. guest capacity, which frequently includes sofa beds in living rooms.
  • Are you traveling with furry, four-legged family members? Although a number of vacation homes allow pets or animals, guidelines and costs vary per property. Type of pet, size and breeds may be limited. Ask your property manager before booking, and study your rental agreement! Additional fees or might be applied to your invoice.
  • Are you visiting for a single event or attraction? Try a map search to locate nearby properties.
  • Suitable accessibility can make or ruin a vacation for the less-mobile. Confirm all required amenities are available before booking.

Some things to know before you go:

  • Review arrival and departure procedures before leaving home. Take a printed copy, and save the instructions to your phone.
  • Ask questions. You may need instructions for a fireplace, intercom or kitchen appliance. Contact your host. They are there to help! A brief telephone call prevents lots of issues.
  • Ensure you protect the property owner (and your stuff!) by locking the rental while you are out, just like you would at home.
  • To ensure that no damages are attributed to your family's stay, make a record of any problem areas upon check in. Contact the host immediately to record any damages. If there is a dispute about legal responsibility later, having the recorded problems and contact attempts will be helpful.
  • Be a good neighbor! You wouldn't like disagreeable vacationers bothering your peaceful home life. Use the golden rule for best judgement. If they like you, locals might even recommend great local food and attractions you would've never otherwise known about!
  • Don't forget to... Ask a local! Locals can typically point you in the right direction. Who better to ask where to take kids for a treat, have a great night on the town, or the best spots for BBQ?
  • Just before checking out, complete a final walk-through to confirm you haven't leave anything behind. Remember to check bathrooms, dressers, and closets for hidden items. Clean the refrigerator and take or dispose of leftovers.
  • Go through the rental one final time and scan for any damage. We suggest inspecting the property with the host whenever you can (often this isn't possible). If the property manager isn't available, ensure that you take photos of the property to record its condition at check-out.
  • Remember to leave feedback! Property managers rely on good reviews to propel more bookings. They'll be much obliged for your feedback. Alternatively, if something wasn't as described, other families will appreciate that you share your experience and help them have the best future vacation. Remember to be objective. If something fell short of expectations, consider whether the owner could control the issue, and if so, whether they responded reasonably to remedy it.

Nearby Restaurants

Nearby Activities

Nearby Shopping

Ready to book Malibu at The Cove - Riverwalk Villas in Downtown Wilmington?

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Victory Beach Vacations

Visitors who are on the hunt for the postcard-perfect vacation rental in the heart of the Carolina Beach or Kure Beach area will find an enticing selection and plenty of friendly customer service when they rent through Victory Beach Vacations. Based in Carolina Beach in the coastal Cape Fear region, Victory Beach Vacations has more than 100 vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes to ensure that every vacationing family can find their dream home away from home on the beach.   When you book your Cape Fear getaway with Victory Beach Vacations, the fun doesn’t end when you leave the beach, it continues with an array of privately-owned properties outfitted with all of the amenities needed for a fabulous beach vacation.   Jenna Lanier, General Manager, explains that her family first opened the rental and property management business in 2002. At the forefront of Victory Beach operations is Lanier’s mother, Caroline Meeks. Meeks is both the Broker in Charge and co-owner with husband, Buck Meeks, who manages the Field Services team with Lanier’s husband, Scott.   For nearly 20 years, the Victory Beach team has worked tirelessly to establish a network of top-of-the-line rental properties for Cape Fear visitors to enjoy. “As far as our properties go,” explains Lanier, “they are all updated, well-furnished and appointed. “We have always performed post-cleaning inspections and since the pandemic, have put freshly laundered duvets over all of the comforters between rentals.”   Lanier emphasizes how important the guests experience is “we strive to give our guests a relaxing, stress free, memorable vacation.” This emphasis on customer service has led to Victory Beach Vacations having a 4.8 Google rating with over 300 reviews by happy owners and guests.In addition to Victory Beach’s superior sanitation practices, the company offers properties for every type of visitor. Choose from luxury oceanfront houses and condos to more reasonbly priced 2nd row properties with oceanviews. Many properties include pools and hot tubs as well, perfect for outdoor entertaining, and many are dog friendly.   Lanier also notes that all properties are within walking or driving distance to Pleasure Island’s main attractions – Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. The former, as described by Lanier, is the more commercialized of the two destinations and features a boardwalk, outdoor dining options and a plethora of weekly activities including fireworks, live music, amusement park pop-ups, and movies under the stars. Kure Beach offers a more residential feel with its fishing pier, intimate restaurants and family favorite, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.More water fun awaits, too. “There is a harbor and a canal that feed into the intercoastal. We have several properties on the harbor so guests can bring their boat, kayak, [or jet ski] and travel between islands,” says Lanier.   A stay with Victory Beach Vacations is an annual pilgrimage for most. “A large percentage of guests are previous guests. Some even reserve the same property for the next year as they’re checking out,” Lanier says. “It’s almost like it’s their personal vacation home.”   Even before guests arrive at their vacation destination, the Victory Beach Vacations’ website greets them with a live beach cam and exquisite aerial footage of both Carolina and Kure Beaches. See for yourself by scanning the QR code and call Victory Beach Vacations at 910.458.0868 to book your Cape Fear getaway. Start making your memories today! —Grace Silipigni