The River Ythan rises at Ythanwells near Auchterless in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at approximately 800 feet above sea level. The river runs approximately 63 kilometres (39 miles) in length, flowing through the towns of Fyvie, Methlick, Ellon, and Newburgh before reaching the North Sea. The estuary lies roughly 19 kilometres (12 miles) north of Aberdeen.

The lower section of the river transitions into the Ythan Estuary, where tidal influence extends approximately 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) inland. The estuary varies in width between 250 metres and 780 metres at its widest point. Moving inland from the mouth, paddlers encounter sandy beaches, then shingle beaches and mudflats. Further upstream, near the first bridge approximately 1,300 metres from the mouth, mussel beds and marshy areas are present. Salt marsh areas appear near Waterside Bridge and the mouth of the Tarty Burn. A small island called Geck Island sits further upstream and serves as habitat for cormorants. The surrounding land near the coast is predominantly flat farmland with few trees.

Canoeing is among the activities available on the estuary. Paddlers should be aware that the estuary is a site of significant ecological importance, carrying multiple designations including Special Protection Area, Ramsar site, Site of Special Scientific Interest, Candidate Special Area of Conservation, and National Nature Reserve, among others. It forms part of the Forvie National Nature Reserve, which encompasses approximately 976 hectares of sand dunes, tidal mudflats, and water. Given these designations, paddlers should exercise care to avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly during bird breeding seasons. The estuary supports large numbers of ducks, waders, seabirds, and geese, as well as marine life.

Fishing for salmon and sea trout in the estuary requires a special permit, while fishing for estuary species such as flounder is free. Paddlers sharing the water with anglers should be mindful of this activity. The Sands of Forvie, one of the largest sand dune areas in Europe with dunes reaching approximately 80 metres north of the estuary mouth, provide a notable geographical feature visible from the water.