The Rio Santa Maria flows through the municipality of Santa Leopoldina in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. It is a water body used for kayaking and canoeing, with established paddling trails available for navigation. A specific GPS-tracked kayak or canoe trail was recorded on July 18, 2015, providing a detailed itinerary for paddlers to follow. The river has designated access points for putting in and taking out, including boat ramps and launch points that are publicly accessible. These facilities are available for paddlers to use for planning a day trip on the water. The overall character of the paddling experience is defined by these established routes and access infrastructure, suggesting it is a recognized destination for recreational paddling activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The surrounding area includes the town of Santa Leopoldina, which provides the geographical context for the river's course.