El Río is part of the marine reserve established around La Graciosa and the islets north of Lanzarote.

Overlooking the strait from the southeastern shore are the cliffs of Famara, on the island of Lanzarote.

One of local artist César Manrique's creations, Mirador del Río, consists of a viewpoint located at a height of 400 metres (1,300 ft) on the cliffs of Famara.

As of July 2019, two ferry companies operate this service, both based on La Graciosa: Líneas Romero and Biosfera Express.

[5] The Travesía a nado "El Río" is an annual open water swimming event that crosses the strait.