The amazing range of fish, coral and sea life makes Australia’s Great Barrier Reef one of the top places in the world to snorkel and scuba dive. As Robin McKelvie points out, it’s also the perfect place for beginners to try either sport.

You have made it to Australia, one of the world’s top water sports destinations, but you can’t make the big decision — snorkelling or scuba diving? Each has its own attractions and down sides and if you don’t make the right choice you may end up shelling out your hard earned cash for an experience which is more nightmare than dream holiday.

Although you can dive and snorkel in many parts of Australia, most people make a beeline for the world famous Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. The reef statistics are impressive: at 2500km in length the reef, it is the world’s largest structure made entirely by living organisms. Parts of the coral are 18 million years old and the reef also plays home to a myriad of sea life, from starfish and dugong (sea cows) to whales and sharks. In the south, the reef is 300km from the coast, but the further north you go the closer the coral gets.

The main centres for both snorkelling and scuba diving are Cairns, Townsville and Airlie Beach. From Cairns dozens of tour operators make daily trips out to the reef. For my first snorkelling experience I headed out on the Ocean Spirit yacht to Upolu Cay.

Snorkelling is the easiest and cheapest way to explore the reef for yourself, with the equipment usually provided free by the company taking you out on the reef cruise. After a brief training session I am off exploring the submarine world of sparklingly marked fish and technicolour coral. Don’t worry too much about sharks. “I can’t remember the last time a tourist even saw a shark, never mind was ‘taken’ by one,” assures Ted, an Ocean Spirit crew member.

The good thing about snorkelling is that anyone can do it. It may feel slightly strange at first, breathing through the snorkel and waddling around in the flippers can take some getting used to, but both are skills which can be mastered within a very short time. No lengthy briefings and post-dive re-acclimatisation here either — you just pop your mask on, get in the water and go.

Although you are only floating on the surface for much of the time, you still get an excellent view of the coral gardens and the myriad of sea life living amongst them. You can make shallow dives and then blow the water back through your snorkel, if you are feeling brave. No matter how many wildlife documentaries you may have seen on television, nothing prepares you for the reality of the technicolour extravaganza of life below the ocean surface.

The main advantage of scuba diving over snorkelling is summed up by Scottish backpacker, Ben Prag.

“Snorkelling offers a window on a totally different world, but scuba diving allows you to open the door and explore that world.”

Many cruise companies offer an introduction to scuba diving for an additional fee, but it is only a quick taster and it’s of little use unless you just want an idea of whether you like it. A better option, if you want to really experience scuba, is to join up with one of the diving schools for a PADI training course. With remarkably cheap prices and a perennially balmy climate, Cairns is one of the best places in the world to learn and you will end up with an internationally recognised certificate at the end.

Most courses last around four or five days. The first few days are spent learning the basics in and out of the pool on shore, before taking to the real water. Also part of the course is a written exam which isn’t too taxing if you’ve been listening to the instructor.

The training is thorough and the instructors do everything they can to allay the fears and phobias of the group. Just about anyone can scuba dive — even people with asthma — and the only stipulation is that you must prove you are a fairly strong swimmer.

After your stint in the pool it is time for the real thing out on the reef. In Cairns the best companies take you out past the inner islands of Green and Fitzroy and on to the outer reef. As Prag points out, the first experience can be a little daunting: “I wasn’t really nervous, but I have to admit that it was a little scary at first, but you get used to it and it was probably the best thing I did in my year in Australia.”

When it comes to cost, there is no doubt that snorkelling is a lot cheaper, but you pay for what you get. With a PADI course you get an internationally recognised diving qualification which enables you to make further dives almost everywhere in the world, without having to go through all the rigorous training again.

Snorkelling trips start from around £50 for the day and often including a meal. While the cheapest four day PADI courses are around £200, shop around as competition is fierce, especially in Cairns.

With literally dozens of different operators offering their services, it can be a little confusing. For the best advice, ask fellow travellers. People in charge of hostels and travel agents can be biased as they often get commission from companies and are intent on sticking you in a tour whether it suits you or not.

Don’t just follow the guidebooks either. Some good companies have lost their reputation over the years and new operators — some quality, some cowboys — spring up all the time. It is far better to rely on word of mouth from travellers who have just tried a course or tour for themselves.

Whether you choose snorkelling or scuba diving there is little doubt that you will leave Australia satisfied by your underwater experience — an experience which few travellers ever regret or forget.