It rises in the highlands of the Rupununi region and flows northward for 595 kilometres (370 mi)[1] through dense forests to the coastal plain.

Quantity of water based on the streamflow of the gauging station at Itabu Falls (04'52'N0'50'13'W) is 40,800 L/min (9,000 imp gal/min; 10,800 US gal/min).

Other communities on the Berbice River include Everton, Mara, Takama, Kalkuni and Kwakwani.

The river has served to transport Bauxite from the major mine at Kwakwani (currently owned by Rusal).

[7] On December 23, 2008, construction of the Berbice Bridge linking D’Edward Village, Crab Island, and the Courantyne Highway was completed.