Outdoors: Aug. 26

DATED EVENTS

The American Littoral Society: Group offers guided kayak tours in Manatee and Sarasota counties. Reservations are required. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip. A short training session will be provided prior to the trip. Participants are requested to bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water. Reservations: (941) 966-7308.

n Sister Keys, Longboat Key, 8:30-11 a.m. Aug. 26

n Bird Key/South Lido Park, 8:30-11 a.m. Aug. 28

n Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach, 8:30-11 a.m. Sept. 4

n Blackburn Point/Oscar Scherer State Park, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 8

n Bird Key/South Lido Park, 8:30-11 a.m. Sept. 11

n Kayak/snorkel excursion from Turtle Beach to Point of Rocks, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Set. 15

n Moonlight Kayak Trip on Little Sarasota Bay, 6-8:30 p.m. Sept. 17

n Bay Life Search at Bird Key, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 18

HORSEBACK RIDING

Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary: 20010 State Road 64 E., Bradenton

Horseback riding is being offered by Napier’s Log Cabin Horse and Animal Sanctuary. No experience is necessary. Hours are by appointment. Donation: $25 per person, per hour. The rides are fun and educational and are geared toward first time riders. All proceeds going to house and feed the animals at the Sanctuary. Information: 750-8185 or visit www.NapierFamilyFarm.com.

NATURE TOURS

Emerson Point Preserve Nature Tours: Emerson Point Preserve, Snead Island

Master Gardeners conduct free tours at 9 a.m. on at least one Saturday and one Sunday each month. Tours are limited to 12 people, and reservations must be made through the Master Gardener office. A portion of the tour is handicap accessible. The office is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Information: 722-4524.

Sarasota Bay Explorers: Mote Aquarium on City Island, Sarasota

Now offering a new eco-tour, Nature Safari, with in-depth looks into the ecosystems of southwest Florida. View bird nests and watch for creatures of the bay. Observe bottlenose dolphins, manatees and sea turtles up close. Cruises run daily at 11 a.m., and 1:30 and 4 p.m. Regular tour rate is $26 adults, $22 children ages 4-12. Aquarium admission not included. Information: 388-4200.

Walk on the Wild Side Eco-Tours: 629 41st St., Sarasota

Guided canoeing, kayaking, hiking and wildlife viewing tours throughout west central Florida. Half-day, full-day, moonlight and overnight trips. All equipment and transportation is provided and instruction is available. Tours start at $30 a person and are available 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Information: 351-6500.

Boat rides and charters: Captain Kim’s, Anna Maria Island Historic Bridge Street Pier, Anna Maria Island.

Captain Kim’s Boat Rides and Charters offers dolphin tours, historical tours, bird watching tours, sea shelling tours, hands-on eco tours, sightseeing rides, sand bar hopping, boat rides and charters. Hourly rates: $15 per person. For reservations and more information, call 920-3307 or visit www.kimscharters.com.