The Rio de Contas is a major river in the state of Bahia, eastern Brazil, originating at elevations above 1,500 meters in the Serra da Tromba within the Chapada Diamantina mountain range. It runs approximately 620 kilometers eastward before discharging into the Atlantic Ocean near the municipality of Itacaré. The river drains the largest hydrographic basin entirely contained within Bahia state, covering roughly 55,000–56,000 square kilometers and passing through 86 municipalities including Abaíra, Jussiape, Brumado, Jequié, Ipiaú, Ubaitaba, and Aurelino Leal. Along its course, the river transitions across caatinga, cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes, reflecting the varied topography and climate of the region.

For paddlers, the most developed stretch for whitewater activity is near the village of Taboquinhas, accessed via approximately 26 kilometers of dirt road from Itacaré. This section of the river features a sequence of rapids ranging from Class 2 to Class 5, including drops of up to 3 meters. Commercial rafting trips on this stretch typically last around two hours and are conducted in inflatable boats carrying 6 to 8 people including a guide. Operators require participants to wear a shirt and closed-toe shoes, and recommend bringing a change of clothes. The Taboquinhas run is the most prominent adventure activity in the area and is well established with safety protocols in place.

Beyond the whitewater section, the lower reaches of the river near Itacaré offer a different paddling character. Boat trips depart from Coroinha beach and travel upriver toward waterfalls such as Cachoeira do Engenho, providing a calmer alternative to the rapids upstream. Nearby attractions accessible from the river include Cachoeira do Tijuipe and Cachoeira da Usina.

The river is considered an important ecological resource, with its upper springs protected within the Área de Relevante Interesse Ecológico Nascente do Rio de Contas. The basin supports diverse wildlife across multiple biomes. The river also carries historical and cultural significance, flowing past the historic city of Rio de Contas, a Baroque-era settlement in the Chapada Diamantina that dates to the 18th-century gold rush period.