Rio da Prata is a spring-fed river located in the municipality of Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul, approximately 50 kilometers from Bonito. It is a tributary of the Rio Miranda basin and flows over calcareous sediments, giving the water an exceptionally high mineral clarity that distinguishes it from most other rivers in the region. The river is widely regarded as one of the clearest in the world, with visibility so pronounced that fish and aquatic plants appear to hover in midair when viewed from the surface.

The primary tributary feeding the system is the Rio Olho d'água, which springs directly from the ground and joins the Rio da Prata on the Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata property. The river supports at least 56 documented fish species, including dourados, piraputangas, curimbatás, and pacus, as well as diverse aquatic plant communities. The surrounding area hosts 234 recorded bird species.

Access to the river is managed exclusively through the Recanto Ecológico Rio da Prata, a private ecotourism operation that has been receiving visitors since June 1995. The property is located along Rodovia BR-267, km 512, with entrance via Rodovia MS-178. All visits are guided and structured around a combination of a trail walk through native forest followed by a downstream snorkeling float. Group sizes are capped at a maximum of 10 people per booking, and the use of sunscreen and insect repellent before entering the water is prohibited to protect water quality. Visitors who cannot participate in the float are offered a motorized electric-boat excursion on a separate section of the river.

Importantly for paddlers, the Recanto Ecológico has explicitly stated that kayaks acquired by the operation are reserved exclusively for internal environmental inspection and routine monitoring — they are not made available for tourist use. Independent paddling access does not appear to be offered through this managed facility. Scuba diving with tanks is also available at the site for those interested in a more immersive underwater experience.

The minimum age for the snorkeling float is 6 years, with children between 6 and 12 required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The overall current is described as gentle, carrying participants downstream without significant effort.