It's only our first day and already we can see why the British Virgin Islands are famed for their beauty. All around us are the blue waters that sailors from all over the world love. And no wonder. The water is generally calm and warm, the passages beautifully navigable and on every island and cay, there are numerous harbors, bays and coves to anchor in. We've come to dive these waters, but we decided to experience it both from a sailboat and a land-based resort. Yes, I know, how do you get my job? I honestly can say it was pure luck. But after 20 years working as a dive journalist, I can tell you that there are always new places to discover. And I've never been to the BVI. Even from the small window of the plane, you can see that these are breathtaking islands.

The BVI pioneered what is known as rendezvous diving -- you can be on a sailboat and local dive operations will either meet you at your boat, pick you up, take you for a two-tank dive and then return you to your vessel. The best of two worlds! Sailing not your thing? No worries, mate -- the BVI have a number of land-based resorts, too, some with dive operations on premises and some that offer packages with nearby operators.

We are beginning our trip aboard the luxury sailboat, My Ann, part of The Moorings' fleet of absolutely stunning yachts. Then we will finish the week at Fort Recovery, an oceanfront resort on Tortola. First, though, we arrived in the BVI from Orlando. After a couple of connections, it was nice to touch down at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport on Beef Island. There was a light spit of rain, but it was just a passing sprinkle. We spent the night at Treasure Isle Hotel in Road Town, Tortola, which is set on a hillside overlooking the harbor. It's located near The Moorings reception office with its panoramic view of Sir Francis Drake Channel, which is where we're headed tomorrow, after a two-tank dive with Sail Caribbean Divers, located at Hodges Creek Marina.

Yes, a rooster woke us up verrrrrrrrrrrrrrry early. So I'm blogging very early. But, hey, who's complaining? Where in the BVI, about to embark on a journey to see as many of these jewel-like islands as we can! Tomorrow: our first dives in the BVI! At some point, I'll post a gallery of Jeff's images.

For help planning your trip and to learn more about the British Virgin Islands, go to the BVI Tourism website.