The Perfect Wave

The thrill of finding and then surfing waves beyond comprehension in the middle of nowhere with a small group of friends is what draws hardcore surfers to Indies Trader.

The Indies fleet of charter vessels plies the waters of Indonesia’s Mentawia Islands, a chain of about 70 islands off the west coast of Sumatra that is a noted destination for breathtaking barrels, bluish-green waters and some of the most awesome surfing on the globe.

Getting There: Overnight in Jakarta and catch a morning flight to Padang on Sumatra.

Cost: Varies.

Necessary skills: These are some of the most challenging waves in the world. If you can hold your own with extraordinary surfers who are seeking fast, awe-inspiring barrels and hollows like you’ve never seen before, book it now.

Tour Operator: Click for more information.

Koryo Group

Into the Hermit Kingdom

Some of us are just fascinated by the unattainable, like perhaps visiting the “Axis of Evil’s” most impenetrable holdout.

Since 1993, the British-run company Koryo Tours has been routinely escorting tourists into North Korea – arguably the world’s most mysterious country. What’s the appeal? Seeing the Hermit Kingdom close up. Few tourists travel here and no Western journalists are based here, so you’ll have a unique opportunity to observe this strictly regulated Communist regime for yourself. But don’t expect to be strolling the streets alone and chatting up the locals.

Getting There: Koryo is based in Beijing. Travelers generally fly from Beijing to Pyongyang and return via overnight train.

Cost: Tours start at about $1,400.

Necessary skills: Interest in other cultures and ideals, and willingness to put up with less-than Western conveniences and amenities.

Tour Operator: Click for more information.

Adventure Center

The Atlas Descent

Peddling on dry river beds, gravel pistes, singletrack and donkey tracks, this is a spectacular and challenging ride through Morocco’s High and Anti Atlas mountains. The scenery varies from Berber villages and ancient Kasbahs, to lush palm-filled oases. This is a land of striking landscapes with jagged mountains, deep gorges and plenty of opportunity for long, fast descents.

Some 95 percent of the ride is off-road, but California-based Adventure Center provides Land Rover support for the journey. On average, you’ll be cycling about 28 miles a day during the eight-day adventure, which is ideal during winter months.

Getting There: Travelers usually fly London to Casablanca (about 5 hours), and transfer to Agadir, where the Atlas Descent begins.

Cost: The eight-day trip starts at $1,030.

Necessary skills: Rides become harder as the week progresses. Good fitness and off road experience highly recommended as some steep descents.

Tour Operator: Click for more information.

Explornatura

Adrenaline Pop

Ride, rappel, raft and relax. If you have eight days to spare and you want to pack in as much high energy, adrenaline-pumping activity as you possibly can, try one of Explornatura’s trips in Costa Rica.

These trips will have you leaping off cliffs, rappelling down waterfall and racing across mountain bike trails deep in the jungle. There is also ample time to work on your tan at some beautiful beaches and don a snorkel to explore the pristine waters of the south Caribbean.

Getting There: Explornatura picks you up at San Jose Airport.

Cost: Eight-day Spirit of Adventure trip is $2,200.

Necessary skills: Being accustomed to moderate physical activity and willingness to challenge yourself.

Tour Operator: Click for more information.

SwimTrek

Aegean Odyssey

Smeared in Vasoline and wearing nothing more than a Speedo and yellow swimming cap, your guide points to a barely discernable speck surrounded by endless ocean. That’s the next stop in your Aegean odyssey, an island-to-island swim tour of the Cyclades. London-based SwimTrek, which runs swimming tours around the world, chose this closely knit island group for its Greek swim.

Each day, swimmers will cover about 2-1/2 miles of open water, shadowed by support boats. On day one, swimmers make the Andipáros to Páros crossing, a shallow stretch that prepares you for what’s to come. The next day’s swim is to Náxos, under the imposing peak of Mount Zeus. You’ll swim as many as seven crossings during the six day trip, and when you are not swimming or getting swim tips, there is plenty of time to explore villages, enjoy the scenery and see the sites on these beautiful and historic islands.

Getting There: At Athens airport catch a bus to the ferry terminal at Piraeus. You’ll sail to Paros and on to Antiparos where the swimming begins.

Cost: The six day trip runs $1,400.

Necessary skills: Stamina is more important than speed, but you must be a good open water swimmer capable of swimming the distance and handling the elements.

Tour Operator: Click for more information.