Morocco: Surf quiet beaches, hike the Atlas Mountains

For surfers, Moroccan beaches about 100 miles southwest of Marrakech provide long, smooth breaks -- and few crowds. Access Trips, based in Oakland, mines these lesser known locations along the Atlantic Ocean with a surf vacation to locals-only spots near Agadir. Participants spend three days in morning and afternoon surf lessons during this eight-day trip.

There’s a cultural side to this tour as well. Sightseeing and exploring the history of Marrakech and hiking in the Atlas Mountains also are on the itinerary to create a fuller picture of life in the North African nation. One night is spent having dinner with a family in one of the high-altitude Berber villages in the mountains. The trip starts and ends in Marrakech.

Date: The trip is offered from September through July 2013.

Price: $2,140 to $2,290 per person, double occupancy. It includes hotels, private guide, three days of surf coaching, a tour of Marrakech, daily breakfast and most meals, ground transportation and airport transfers, surfboard and wetsuit rental. International airfare is extra.

Contact: Access Trips, (650) 492-4778