At times, nature can be tranquil. But during times like the Nature Island Challenge on Dominica, nature can be really challenging.

From May 20 to 24, adventure racers from the Caribbean and the United States took part in the first-ever even that pitted competitors against harsher sections of Dominica’s scenic the Waitukubuli National Trail in the four-day happening.

Nature Island Challenge is due to air on NBC’s popular World of Adventure Sports on June 8.

Competitive events included snorkeling and paddleboard contest. The teams also had to photographically document their trip through scenic Dominica, which is nicknamed “The Nature Island.” Participants even had to learn a traditional dance and get judged on their performance and authentic interpretation.

The U.S. team won followed by a team from Antigua, the Trinidad One and Trinidad Two squads.

“The Nature Island Challenge shows off Dominica’s magnificent beauty as well as our vast adventure activities,” said Colin Piper, Dominica’s director of tourism. “This innovative event will introduce Dominica to adventure travel fans the world over, encourage fan participation from near and far via social media and offer the experience of a lifetime for the lucky few competitors who have been selected to participate!”

For more on Dominica, visit www.discoverdominica.com.

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Two of Dominica’s most adventurous Waitukubuli National Trail areas –  the Valley of Desolation and  Boiling Lake (attached) were part of nation’s first Nature Island Challenge.