Rio da Madre flows from the mountains of Santa Catarina down to the coast, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Guarda do Embaú, a small village adjacent to Serra do Tabuleiro State Park — the largest conservation area in the state. The river's lower reaches form an intact estuary ecosystem, with a mature sand dune system lining the banks alongside native coastal vegetation. The paddling character on the river is flatwater, making it accessible for a range of skill levels.

The mouth of the river, known as Foz do Rio da Madre, sits within the municipality of Paulo Lopes and serves as the crossing point to Guarda do Embaú Beach. This crossing can be made by canoe or small boat, and is a practical consideration for paddlers exploring the area. The meeting of the river's freshwater with the ocean creates a visually distinctive landscape that draws visitors year-round.

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are both practiced on the river, and guided excursions combine a paddle on the Rio da Madre with hiking to Prainha da Guarda. Organized tours from the region include transport, kayak, paddle, and life vest, along with a guide — an option worth considering for those unfamiliar with the area.

The river sits within the broader Guarda do Embaú area, which holds the designation of Brazil's first World Surfing Reserve. While the surf activity is concentrated at the beach break near the river mouth, paddlers on the river itself will find a calmer, flatwater environment framed by dunes and intact riparian vegetation. The proximity to Serra do Tabuleiro State Park contributes to the relatively undeveloped character of the surrounding landscape.