Sharks and dolphins mesmerize fans with their fins. Their flowing forms challenge our assumptions about control. Underwater animals rule a liquid domain much different from our own. We must either invade their world or bring them into an aquarium to see firsthand their mystery and majesty.

For an adventure of mammoth proportions, take your children to Tampa, Florida, and give them a chance to swim with the sharks. The experience is for divers with wetsuits so you’ll need to plan ahead. Once there, you’ll wait safely behind bars in a shark cage. Then you can watch as the amazing creatures come in nose-to-nose for a closer look. If sharks are a bit much for the kids, you can turn your attention to dolphins, which are every bit as intriguing as sharks. Known for their friendliness, they’re often thought of as water-bound pets. In the wild they leap, play, and curiously probe your boat.

Sharks and dolphins bring beauty and balance to the undersea world. Both must eat to live, both bear young, and both possess God-given power and intelligence. Over the years they’ve earned very different reputations: one as a cold-blooded killer and the other as man’s water buddy.

As you and your kids study these animals, you’ll have the chance to cast your own vote. But withhold judgment until that up-close-and-personal encounter. You might be surprised at which creature comes in first as the family favorite.