Travessia Sant Jaume d'Enveja

Driving across the flat, expansive plains of the Ebro Delta, the horizon eventually gives way to the steady, wide flow of the river itself as you arrive in Sant Jaume d'Enveja. This landscape, a massive sedimentary formation created by centuries of deposits from the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains, feels removed from the frantic pace of the coast. Standing on the riverbank near the embarkation pier, you are positioned at the heart of an essential wetland, a protected Ramsar site and a ZEPA zone that serves as a critical habitat for European birdlife. It is here that the annual event, organized by Club Natació Amposta and the local community to support the Miquel Valls Foundation, unfolds every May.

The river course

The swim itself is defined by the unique geography of the river. As you push off into the current, you are traversing the same path that feeds into the Mediterranean, a journey that spans over 320 square kilometers of deltaic land. While you navigate the main channel, the modern silhouette of the Lo Passador bridge dominates the view; this structure, which replaced the traditional barge service in 2010, marks the connection between the municipalities of Deltebre and Sant Jaume d'Enveja. Further downstream, observant swimmers might catch glimpses of the historic lighthouse on the island of Buda, a solitary sentinel amidst the delta’s complex waterways. You will also pass the banks of the Illa de Gràcia, the second-largest fluvial island in the river, where the riparian forests known as alamedas provide a dense, green contrast to the open water. A short distance away, those looking for a different challenge can test their rhythm at the Amposta Nedant l'Ebre, which takes place in the same river system just a week later.

Race day logistics

The event offers distances of 400m and 2000m, inviting both casual participants and seasoned open-water swimmers to participate in the cause. The atmosphere is grounded and communal, centered on the river walk where local life congregates on race morning. After the swim, the day transitions into a popular lunch, often accompanied by prize draws featuring contributions from local businesses. While the defensive relics of the region, such as the circular stone tower at the Camarles defensive tower, watch over the delta from afar, the focus remains firmly on the water and the collective effort of the swimmers. Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, and the registration process is kept accessible to encourage broad support for the fight against ALS.