The Kowie River is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, flowing through the town of Port Alfred before emptying into the Indian Ocean. The word "Kowie" is of Khoi origin, meaning "rushing waters," though the river itself moves at a gentle pace. The river winds through estuarine environments, passing forested slopes and a distinctive meander known as Horseshoe Bend, creating a varied and visually engaging corridor for paddlers.

The river is well suited to flat-water paddling, including kayaking and canoeing, and is described as tidal and conveniently navigable in both directions depending on the tide. A popular self-guided route runs up and down the river from Port Alfred. A two-day guided kayaking tour is also available, traveling upriver on the first day with an overnight stay at Mansfield private game reserve, then returning downriver on the second day. The tidal nature of the river means paddlers should time their trips accordingly, and those paddling into the rising tide should stay to the edges of the river and carry their canoes onto the bank at night.

Several launch points are available at the Kowie River Estuary, all managed by the Ndlambe Local Municipality. These include the Small Boat Harbour Slipway, the Ski Boat Club Public Slipway, the Riverside Drive Slipway, and the Conservation Office Slipway. The Royal Alfred Marina also has a launching ramp. Paddlers launching toward the river mouth and ocean should be aware of a sandbank at the East pier and should keep closer to the West pier; waves can break within the mouth itself, and surfers and anglers are also present in that area.

The river supports a notable variety of birdlife, including African Darter, Long-crested Eagle, African Fish Eagle, and Reed Cormorant. Water monitors are also present and may be seen swimming or on the banks. The estuarine environment near the mouth provides glimpses of marine life as well.

The Kowie Paddling Club is active on the river and hosts competitive events, including the Eastern Cape Canoe Marathon Championships. Jet skis are restricted to launching and heading directly to sea; use of the river itself is not permitted for jet skis, only for boats.