No diver is going to turn down the chance of an encounter with a dolphin and not too many will miss a chance to swim with a shark, either. Given the choice, which would you prefer to dive with?

The dolphin is, let's face it, fun. He's got a cheeky grin, loves to show off and will seek you out just so he's got someone to play with and will enthusiastically chase your boat and bounce along your bow wave. I was lucky enough to swim with one after a dive on the Carnatic. When we surfaced, the entire boat was in the water snorkelling with a lone dolphin who was clearly delighted to show off his skills. He leapt out of the water, he swam under around and beside us and did all but wag his tail. He was there so long we actually got cold, hungry and - dare I say it? - bored and went back onto the boat after an hour. He was still around when the dinner gong went. We've also seen pods of dolphins, either sniggering at us amateurs in the course of a dive or leaping athletically in the boat's wake as we watched them. Undeniably beautiful, graceful and charming.

So what can your shark bring that Mr Cute and Cuddly cannot? For a start, the sightings are more rare and fleeting so the encounter is all the more precious. They are also silent. I've been alerted to the presence of dolphins by hearing their squeaks underwater so I've known to keep a eye out for them. The shark gives no clues. I've swum above one for a good few minutes, completely oblivious of the creature slinking a few metres below me while my buddy tried to attract my attention without making a sound that might scare it away proving that a.) you need to look everywhere and b.) my buddying skills are not what they should be. And admit it - there is always that thrill of sharing the water with something that, should it want to (and it hardly ever does), it could take a nasty chunk out of your body.

Maybe it is the difference between a wild animal that wants to entertain you and one that treats you with disdain - underwater dogs and cats. If you want something to play with, opt for the dolphin. It is good with children, delights everyone and is eager to please. For my money though, I'll take the shark every time. It's elusive, aloof, slinky and you just know it would never come when called. It is that very independence of spirit that I so admire in the cat and shark alike so they get my vote.

Wouldn't turn down a swim with the dolphin, though...