Title: The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire house boat # The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75790000/75784100/75784095/741e6e41.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75790000/75784100/75784095/5e952055.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75790000/75784100/75784095/9ac4a4ab.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Beach nearby](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75790000/75784100/75784095/d2ac43e3.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75790000/75784100/75784095/f835835d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC provides everything you need. 10 Exceptional ### Entire house boat 1 bathroomSleeps 3 ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Parking available - Barbecue grill - Outdoor space - Air conditioning ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## 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. ### The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC The Mermaid Houseboats roam the waters of Lake James in NC, with beautiful views of the Blueridge Mountains and sandy beaches to pull ashore. Amenities include: Convenience kitchen (pump sink, coffee maker) Propane grill Sofa (double bed) Table (booth seating folds into a single bed) Capacity to sleep 2-3 adults or family Large front deck for entertaining Generator provides electric AC (run by generator) Bed linens provided Marine toilet \*Born 1988 or later boating license required. The space is ideal for spending a day or weekend on Lake James. With air conditioning, a propane grill, comfortable living areas that convert into beds, a kitchenette with dishes and utensils, bed linens, and a marine toilet on board - the Mermaid Boat is set up to be a ton of fun. The boat comes fully equipped with: \- Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, towels) \- Kitchen items (utensils, dishes, cookware, Keurig with k-cups, some spices, grill, paper goods, cleaning supplies) \- Trash bags, toilet paper, and paper towels are available on board \- Some goodies like cards, flash lights, books, and games are available as well We will meet at Lake James Urgent Care located at1614 NC-126, Nebo, NC The boat is not docked, boaters will be required to drive it or beach/anchor it, but there are several options for your overnight stay: 1\. Reserve a boat-in campsite at Lake James State Park. You will have access to restroom facilities, a private campsite, and be able to have a fire or set up a tent. 2\. Stay on a public beach - these are usually the best beaches on the lake with premiere mountain views. They’re also free, but they can get crowded and noisy on holidays and weekends during prime summer months. If full upon arrival, you can expect space to open up as boaters head home around sundown. 3\. Tie up to the old state park dock (very low traffic) or anchor in a cove overnight. There is a generator that runs the air conditioner and electricity. The kitchen consists of countertops, Keurig, toaster, cookware and dishware, and room to store a cooler with ice. A $150 fee is taken up front (cleaning fee) for damage / gas. If the boat is returned with no damage and a full tank you will be refunded the $150. Guests have access to full boat. They will not have access to the private dock where it is stored. The owner is local and available to answer any questions and assist should you encounter any trouble on the water. He also owns an emergency boat towing service and is regularly out on the waters assisting boaters. Lake James is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this man-made lake offers beautiful waters, great fishing, beaches for playing, and beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Lake James State Park has many boat-in camping sites that offer great amenities if you are staying overnight. You will have access to a restroom and showers as well as beaches to play on if you book these sites (usually about $10/night). The houseboat feels more like a camping experience than a full-service hotel. There will be access to a grill, but no stove, oven, microwave, or refrigerator. Guests should plan to bring a cooler and plan food accordingly. There are no showers on the boat and only a pump sink with freshwater and marine toilet. We advise guests use the toilet sparingly, as it has limited flushes, and use public restrooms as much as possible. We recommend guests reserve a boat-in campsite for stays longer than 2 days. It is required by NC law that all guests under 13 wear a life vest while the boat is in motion. Must be 21 or older, show a valid driver's license, and have a valid boating license if you were born in 1988 or later. Search for NC Boating License online course, complete it online, and print and bring license with you (Approximately $30). ## Property amenities ### Beach - Beach nearby ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Microwave - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Spices - Toaster ### Bedrooms - Bedsheets provided - Sofa bed ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Toilet paper ### Entertainment - Books - Games ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Barbecue grill - Dock ### Comfort - Air conditioning ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Location highlights - In the mountains - On a lake - On the waterfront ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher ## Similar properties ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/76000000/75830000/75829500/75829442/e9e498fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Gigi - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James Nebo - Kitchen - Air conditioning - Barbecue grill 10 Exceptional 4 reviews CA $486 CA $719 total includes taxes & fees Sep 29 - Sep 30 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-09-29&endDate=2025-09-30&selected=75829442&PinnedHotelID=75829442&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/97000000/96997700/96997653/98e6228b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Walking Distance to Lakes James with Resort Amenities Marion - Pool - Kitchen - Air conditioning - Mountain view 10 Exceptional 3 reviews CA $233 CA $416 total includes taxes & fees Sep 29 - Sep 30 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-09-29&endDate=2025-09-30&selected=96997653&PinnedHotelID=96997653&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96280000/96270600/96270589/48a304c7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cozy Cabin with Private Resort Amenities: Walking Distance to Lake James Marion - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning - Outdoor space 8.8 Excellent 8 reviews CA $130 CA $282 total includes taxes & fees Sep 29 - Sep 30 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-09-29&endDate=2025-09-30&selected=96270589&PinnedHotelID=96270589&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100340000/100335800/100335748/61b0a4f5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Secluded cabin with modern upgrades, wrap-around deck, & AC - mtn views Nebo - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Air conditioning 8.2 Very good 12 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-10-10&endDate=2025-10-11&selected=100335748&PinnedHotelID=100335748&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102760000/102759900/102759842/w2999h1999x1y1-77fd1740.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Lake James Cozy Cabin. 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You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ### Property is also known as 130339 ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C35.72723%2C-81.92079&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=3sAVAx55z8GXp79ljdoP_8RjoK8=) Nebo, NC #### What's nearby - Lake James State Park - 16 min walk - 1.4 km - Lake James - 1 min drive - 0.7 km - McDowell County Courthouse - 12 min drive - 12.9 km - Boat Beach - 15 min drive - 11.6 km - Linville Caverns - 47 min drive - 53.1 km #### Restaurants - ‪Love's Travel Stop - ‬12 min drive - ‪Bessie’s Diner - ‬9 min drive - ‪The Marion Wing Factory - ‬12 min drive - ‪Hardee's - ‬12 min drive - ‪Mica Town Brewing - ‬11 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### How much does it cost to stay at The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC? > As of Sept 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC on Sept 29, 2025 start from CA $486.36, 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](https://www.expedia.ca/Nebo-Hotels-The-Narai-A-Mermaid-Houseboat-On-Lake-James.h75784095.Hotel-Information?rfrr=HOT.HIS.question.link.click) for more accurate prices. ### What time is check-in at The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC? > Check-in begins at 12:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC? > Check-out is at 10:00 AM. ### Where is The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC located? > Situated on the waterfront, this houseboat is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake James and Lake James State Park. Catawba River and Pisgah National Forest are also within 6 mi (10 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## The Narai - A Mermaid Houseboat on Lake James, NC Reviews 10 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 4 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.6/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### John C., Wake Forest, NC Jul 25, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### The Narai We had a ball. Boat is exactly as advertised. Lake and views are extraordinary. ##### John C. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Molly A. Jul 13, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Better than we could have imagined! Everything was PERFECT. Loved this experience and will definitely be back. John was THE BEST!!!!!! ##### Molly A. Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Annie H. Oct 3, 2023 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Birthday Boat Trip The boat and overnight stay provided an amazing, unique experience to celebrate a friends birthday. The weather was perfect, and the accommodations on the boat covered everything we needed. Full moon on the water was magical. Communication, check in, and check out was thorough and on time. ##### Annie H. Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Glenn M. Aug 10, 2022 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### One of a Kind! My wife and I had an amazing weekend on the boat! It was the most unique and relaxing getaway we have had in a long time. The boat was very clean and very well appointed! Will definitely be back for another weekend! ##### Glenn M. 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