The Rio Buranhém, also known as Rio do Peixe, flows through the states of Minas Gerais (approximately 20 km) and Bahia (approximately 128 km) before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto Seguro. The river's total navigable length is roughly 131 miles. It passes through Eunápolis before reaching its mouth, where it forms the natural boundary between Porto Seguro and the Arraial d'Ajuda district — the same crossing used by the well-known vehicle and passenger ferry connecting the two communities.

The river's character changes significantly along its length. In the upper freshwater reaches toward the interior, the river runs through forested areas with pools that support traíras, piaus, and jundiás. Average depth in these stretches runs between 1.5 and 4 meters, with a maximum of around 8 meters. The lower estuarine section near Porto Seguro transitions into mangrove-lined channels where freshwater and saltwater mix, creating habitat for robalo-peva (Centropomus parallelus). This estuarine zone is the most accessible stretch of the river and sits close to the center of Porto Seguro, near the ferry pier.

Kayak paddling in the mangrove channels of the lower river is well-suited for those wanting to explore without venturing far from town. The waters in this section are calm. Boat tours also operate from the Píer Municipal in Porto Seguro, using the river for excursion routes. At the river's mouth, a flooded area rich in wildlife frames the transition to the sea and offers a sense of the landscape's pre-colonial character.

The dry winter months from June through September are the best period for paddling and fishing on the river, with water temperatures typically ranging between 24 and 28°C during favorable conditions. Porto Seguro is located approximately 700 km from Salvador, accessible via the BR-101 to Eunápolis and then the BR-367 for the final 60 km to Porto Seguro. The estuarine section is the easiest to reach, situated in the heart of Porto Seguro near the ferry crossing. For access to upper river sections, local pousadas can provide guidance on entry points.

Porto Seguro itself carries considerable historical significance as the site of the first Portuguese landing in Brazil in 1500, under Pedro Álvares Cabral.