River transport has become an important axis of development and economic growth of countries that have navigable networks with potential for use. The projection of this progress requires the understanding, in each nation, of the potentialities of its infrastructures, of its natural resources, the impacts on these, and of the legislation and regulations that favor its development; the ignorance of these aspects is the main obstacle facing the management, planning and exploitation of this means of transport. The objective of this article is to provide a perspective on river transport in Colombia, a country that has a network and fluvial capacity with great potential for the transport of passengers and merchandise. The methodology was oriented to the analysis of the issues related to its origin and progress, as well as the current situation of its operations and infrastructure, the impacts on the environment, and the legislation and regulations applicable to its regulation and control. Based on these issues, a prospective about its development potential oriented to trade, infrastructure and new plans and public policies is provided. It is concluded that the fluvial transport in Colombia can be boosted given the water richness of its territory, which together with the investment in priority infrastructures and logistic services, and the development of public policies that regulate and promote its environmentally sustainable operation, can provide a favorable socioeconomic panorama for the country.