The Rio Cubatão, also known as the Rio Cubatão do Sul, originates within the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park — an 84,130-hectare protected area of mountainous Atlantic rainforest southwest of Florianópolis — and flows approximately 62 kilometers before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Palhoça. Along its course it passes through the municipalities of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz, Águas Mornas, São Pedro de Alcântara, and Palhoça. Its watershed covers roughly 738 square kilometers and serves as a primary water supply for the greater Florianópolis region, including the cities of Florianópolis, São José, Palhoça, Biguaçu, and Santo Amaro da Imperatriz.

The river is well established as a whitewater paddling destination, with commercial rafting and kayaking operations running out of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz. The standard rafting route covers approximately 3.5 kilometers and typically takes around two hours to complete. One put-in point is located near the village of Vargem Grande. The character of the run follows a common pattern for this type of river: the upper portion offers calmer water suitable for learning basic paddle technique, while the gradient increases downstream, producing narrower channels and faster whitewater. Rapid sections are interspersed with slower pools that allow for swimming. Cliff jumping is an optional activity at the end of at least one commercial kayaking route.

The surrounding landscape is defined by the Serra do Tabuleiro's rainforest-covered mountains, which frame the river throughout the run. Commercial operators offer guided rafting and whitewater kayaking, with group sizes on some tours capped at 35 participants. Safety equipment — helmet, life vest, and paddle — is standard issue, and wetsuits are available when conditions warrant. Guides operate in Portuguese, English, and Spanish on some tours. Participants are advised to bring a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes, and shoes that can get wet. The activity is accessible to a wide age range, with some operators accepting participants from age 8 or 12 depending on river conditions, up to age 79.