The Rio Caraíva flows through the southern coast of Bahia state in eastern Brazil, emptying into the sea at the village of Caraíva, within the Corumbau Marine Extractive Reserve — a protected fishing area of 89,597 hectares. The river mouth features mangroves in good condition, transitioning upstream to low-lying Atlantic Forest. The village of Caraíva sits on a small peninsula flanked by the river on one side and an indigenous reserve on the other, the latter being part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Access to the river is by canoe from the main port on the opposite bank, which serves as the sole entry point to the village. Visitors park their vehicles at the riverbank and cross by canoe for a small fee. Canoe rentals for paddling upstream are available in the village; a local operator known as "João do Barro" can typically be found near the Cachaçaria and rents canoes at approximately 60 BRL per hour for two people, or 100 BRL for two hours for two people.

Paddling upstream from the village takes travelers through extensive mangroves, eventually reaching Prainha, a small river beach. The upstream journey can also be done by paddleboard, kayak, or motorboat. For a more relaxed experience, floating downriver on a rubber ring with the outgoing tide is a common option. The river's calm, transparent waters make it accessible for a range of paddling abilities.

The river and its surroundings carry significant cultural and historical weight. The Pataxó indigenous people, one of seven tribes in Bahia, have long depended on the river and sea, and a reserve of over 54,000 indigenous inhabitants borders the village. The area reflects a blend of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian cultural influences developed over centuries of fishing and river life.

The village of Caraíva itself is car-free, with sandy streets, and was connected to the electricity grid only in 2007, giving the area a distinctly low-key character. The point where the river meets the sea is a notable visual feature. From Caraíva, beach buggies can be hired to travel south to Corumbau, approximately seven miles away, where a canoe crossing of the Corumbau River is required — making river crossings a recurring element of travel in this region.