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Entire house boat

Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”

Houseboat in Wilmington, steps from Riverwalk

Photo gallery for Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”

Outdoor dining
Interior
Exterior
Marina
TV
Close to Riverwalk, Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch” provides amenities like laundry facilities. Stay connected with in-room WiFi.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire house boat

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Add dates for prices

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.

Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”

Stay on the water in unique upscale houseboat, a”boatominium” with luxury throughout - floating at dock on the Cape Fear River. Within walking distance to historic Wilmington, Live Oak concert arena, river walk, restaurants, museums and convention center.

The accommodations: Two bedrooms, two full baths and two spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and three decks with seating, outside dining and bar.

Linens, complimentary coffee and toiletries included as well as free parking.

Upscale and well appointed furnishing in spacious 1500 sq foot space with washer and dryer and electric fireplace.

Beautiful river and harbor views.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the accommodation: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Safety features

  • 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)

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Children upper 5 years allowed

Events

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
Parties and events are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 12
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 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

About the neighborhood

Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Live Oak Bank Pavilion - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Battleship North Carolina - 5 min drive - 4.6 km

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
  • ‪Marina Grill - ‬1 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch” pet-friendly?

Yes, this houseboat allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch”?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch” located?

Located in Downtown Wilmington, this houseboat is within a 5-minute walk of Riverwalk and Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Wilmington Convention Center and Wilmington Railroad Museum are also within 10 minutes.

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Reviews

Unique deluxe houseboat at Port City Marina named the “Sea Ranch” Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Becky C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sea Ranch

The houseboat, “Sea Ranch”Was so nice and in a perfect location. We would stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lene' A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful place

Very comfortable and clean. Looking forward to going back soon!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leigh F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Stay!

The Sea Ranch is the perfect place to stay in Downtown Wilmington. We had an amazing time as the house boat is located centrally to everything. The views from the top deck are unbeatable. We highly recommend the Sea Ranch.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Experience All Around

Love the house boat decor! Everything you need is stocked well to ensure a comfortable stay. Spacious, quiet, perfect spot for a vacation. We will be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Holiday!

We had a small Thanksgiving vacation and the Searanch made it extra special. The villa is wonderfully equipped with an excellent location. I highly recommend staying here. The owners were responsive and provided easy instructions. I would absolutely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Perfect Wilmington Getaway

The Sea Ranch is as beautiful as it is clean! The perfect stay while visiting Wilmington that allows you to be close to all but provides a very unique experience. It provides the luxury of space and certain amenities that a hotel room just can not. The host was extremely helpful and accommodating and very quick to answer any questions. We very much look forward to staying at the Sea Ranch again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Holiday Ever!

Wow! Holiday on a Luxury Boat Home! Nestled in the Marina in Wilmington is the most fabulous community, The Cove. The Sea Ranch home in The Cove community is beautiful and well appointed. Exquisitely clean, this home boasts a great kitchen with everything you need including a top of the line Keurig Coffee Pot/KCup. There are two living areas, two nice bedrooms (one upstairs and one down) each with their own en-suite. We spent most of our time relaxing and enjoying the upper deck that has amazing views of the river and the marina. The upper deck has its own outside bar as well! We felt extremely safe on the docks and enjoyed the close proximity to everything along the Riverwalk and downtown Wilmington. You can walk to restaurants, bars and shows. Designated parking was close as well. So much to enjoy at the Sea Ranch! We are so excited to return in the spring!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was excellent. She answered every question that I had and was very helpful. This was the best vacation my family has had in a long time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gray C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend escape.

We were super excited about stay on the water, and we were not disappointed. Great location, great views, and super comfortable accommodations. We would recommend this to anyone.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

House boats on river

We loved the houseboat so clean and comfy with everything you would ever need. Enjoyed the river by renting a pontoon for 1/2 day. Loved the porch upstairs
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, Location, Location!

Great place with lots of amenities/conveniences on board as well as within easy walking distance. Great views on board the houseboat.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Birthday Surprise

Got this houseboat for birthday weekend on the river. House was very clean, stocked, and perfect for our weekend getaway. Assigned parking lot was a plus so we didn't have to worry about where we were going to park our vehicle.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Unique Waterfront Getaway in Wilmington!

This houseboat at Port City Marina in Wilmington offered a unique waterfront experience with modern amenities and stylish decor. We enjoyed the convenience of nearby downtown attractions, spacious outdoor decks for relaxing, and thoughtful touches like fully equipped kitchens and comfortable furnishings. Ideal for couples, families, or small groups, these houseboats provided an alternative to hotels, with easy access to restaurants, live music, and events in Wilmington. Highly recommended for a fun, distinctive getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very nice property!!!

The stay was great! This property is Amazing!!!! Very nicely decorated, comfy beds, all the necessities we needed. Absolute best views on the river. We are definitely staying again when in downtown Wilmington.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family weekend

Had a great trip. Love the area. Love sitting outside and watching boats. Grilled in common area and it was all great.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

weekend trip

Very nice. Host was very easy to talk to and welcoming. Can't wait until the next trip.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute, Cute, Cute!!

The outdoor balcony area was a great place to meet and socialize. The houseboat had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Wilmington Getaway!

This property was absolutely beautiful and in a great location! Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terri W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Experience

Sea Ranch is gorgeous. The downstairs includes a small living room, extremely well appointed kitchen (only appliance missing is a toaster), bedroom w/ queen bed and attached bathroom/laundry. A small deck facing the marina is accessed thru a slider. Upstairs is another bathroom, attached to the 2nd bedroom w/ king size bed. There is a large living area here, with sectional couch and TV. Thru sliders here is a larger covered deck with 2 seating areas and small fridge and sink, also overlooking the marina. Both bedrooms also include TVs. It is pretty quiet here and people are very nice. The convention center, behind the boat houses does have outside gatherings. Our first night, the rap type music from there was extremely loud and disruptive. The noise ordinance is 10 p.m., and it did stop promptly at that time. The Riverwalk is beautiful, although, if you are planning to walk to restaurants and shopping, wear comfy shoes....it is a hike of about a mile and three quarters depending on where you are heading. The Marina restaurant and Mexican restaurant nearby are both good as nearby options. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and Johnsie was wonderful to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Hope C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great time

Amazing property. Great location with a prooerty that made everything so easy. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helene S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Experience

My friend and I stayed at the Sea Ranch in mid May and had an absolutely wonderful time. The unit is clean, nicely appointed, and it was everything that the pictures and write up said it would be. We spent the majority of our time sitting on the upper outside deck, enjoying the view of the marina and beautiful sunsets. We loved that the boat was located just steps from the River Walk and there were many restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. It's important to note that each of the house boats are one right next to another in a long row, so when you're out on the deck, if it's a busy time, others will be on their deck as well, so there's little to no privacy. Also, there are no USB ports in the unit and Wi-Fi reception is poor at best. Be sure to bring outlet plugs with a USB port. I took one star off on Communication only because I forgot an item on the boat and I texted the host twice and never heard back. Overall, we loved our Wilmington trip and staying on a house boat made it all the more fun and unique.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The whole experience was great! The cleanest, peacefulness, the view was awesome! Definitely going to do again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Time!

Our stay on the Sea Ranch could not have been more fun. The location, the house boat itself, everything was beautiful! I was stunned at the interior design and personal touches by the owner that made our trip extra special. It was an unforgettable 50th anniversary experience! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay!!

Clean, detailed, comfortable and all- around amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Jo R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular House Boat

We loved the Sea Ranch! The place is truly fantastic, beautifully decorated and charming. It was surprisingly spacious, with a lovely covered porch area, and comfy living room on the second floor. The beds were comfy too and it was clean, clean, clean. Great for 4 people. The host was terrific too. Our best VRBO to date!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024