It flows into the Atlantic Ocean near the border with Venezuela.

The upper portion of the river flows through the Guianian moist forests, while the lower Waini river flows through the eastern extent of the vast Orinoco Delta swamp forests before emptying into the sea.

Almond Beach at the mouth of the Waini River is one of the most important nesting areas for leatherback, green, hawksbill and the olive ridley marine turtles.

[5] It is the only place in Guyana that has a large stretch of intact mangrove forest, brackish water and coastal swamp communities.

[1] The furthest up river is Kasatu Falls at 7°13′25″N 59°21′33″W / 7.22366°N 59.3591°W / 7.22366; -59.3591.