[1] The catchment area of the river is in the 49,287 hectares (121,790 acres) Guaricana National Park, created in 2014.

[2] The São João forms part of the border between Sào José and Guaratuba.

Tributaries are the Castelhano, Coatís, Ribeirão Grande, Zoada, Navio Arraial, Cubatãozinho and Preto rivers.

The river is navigable up to Três Barras, and above there by canoe to the Salto do Rio Cubatão.

[1] The Salto do Rio Cubatão is a series of rapids with large boulders, a tourist attraction.