The Rio Bento Gomes flows through the Pantanal of Poconé in the northern portion of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, in western Brazil, at approximately 16°40′S, 57°12′W. It is part of a broader river basin that forms a vital component of this wetland ecosystem, and the character of paddling here is shaped almost entirely by the dramatic seasonal flooding cycles typical of the Pantanal.

Canoe access to the river is available through Pouso Alegre Lodge, which offers paddling on stretches of the river during the flood season and in the associated bays during the dry season. The two seasons offer distinctly different experiences: high water opens up the river channel and surrounding floodplain, while the dry season concentrates activity in the bays and oxbows that remain after waters recede.

Wildlife is a defining feature of the river. Caimans are present in the bays, and the surrounding area supports a wide variety of birdlife, including waterfowl and small birds found along the river channel and adjacent vegetation. The river basin also holds significant fish populations, notably traíra (Hoplias gr. malabaricus) and several piranha species (Serrasalmus marginatus, Serrasalmus spilopleura, and Pygocentrus nattereri). Paddlers should be aware that piranhas are present in the water, which is a relevant safety consideration. Subsistence fishing is common throughout the basin, and fishing activity increases during the receding water period and early dry season when fish concentrate in smaller water bodies.

The lodge setting provides a base for paddling excursions, and a trail near the Bento Gomes river channel — known as the Vazante trail, located in the Capão da Canoa area — offers additional access to the riparian environment and birdwatching opportunities that complement time on the water.