Jamaica is well served by direct charter and scheduled flights from Europe, the US and Canada, which land at Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, or Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. Air Jamaica  flies from nine US cities to Kingston and Montego Bay, and American Airlines , Delta , Continental Airlines , Northwest , and US Airways  also offer direct services from various US hubs. There are direct flights from Toronto with Air Jamaica and Air Canada . From the UK, British Airways  and Air Jamaica fly to both Montego Bay and Kingston, as do several charter operators.

Most flights tend to land in Montego Bay, which has easy access to Negril and Ocho Rios. To go to Port Antonio or Treasure Beach, it is easier to fly to Kingston.

Internal flights are restricted to the odd service between Montego Bay and Kingston/Negril by charter airlines, though the new highway which runs the length of the north coast makes driving to Ocho Rios or Negril from Montego Bay far easier than flying.

The best option for getting around Jamaica is to hire a car or a local driver, as buses can be chaotic with no set schedules. Car rentals are widely available, and major international rental companies have franchises on most islands. Driving in the Caribbean can be challenging. Hazards include poorly paved and pot-holed roads, stray animals on the road, and local drivers who have no concern for the safety of other road users. It is advisable not to drive at night. Cars drive on the left side of the road on most Caribbean islands except Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Curaçao, Cuba, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, and Saba.

The Caribbean is a top year-round destination for cruise ships. More than 20 cruise lines offer a vast range of ships and itineraries. The ships sail at night and berth at their next port of call before dawn, permitting visitors to explore ashore by day. Cruise companies sell a wide range of group-oriented shore excursions, but it is often cheaper and more fun to make your own arrangements ashore. Special theme cruises are a popular option. More details are available from Cruise Line International Association .

Surprisingly few ferries serve the Caribbean. Ferries link Puerto Rico to both the Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands, which are connected by ferry to the British Virgin Islands. Trinidad and Tobago are also connected by ferry. Sailboat charters are a popular way of exploring the islands. Yachts can be chartered with or without crews on virtually every island, although it is wise to book your sailing vacation in advance from a reputable company such as the Caribbean Yacht Rental  or Ed Hamilton .

Air fares can vary greatly from season to season, between airlines and ticket wholesalers, and according to time of year. The further in advance you buy your ticket, the cheaper it usually is. Air-hotel packages are available for every island in the Caribbean. These inclusive vacations tend to be cheaper than independent travel. Most major airlines offer inclusive packages, as do many companies in Europe and North America.

If you are interested in a beach vacation, there are special tours that may appeal to visitors. Most islands offer a variety of watersports and there are several package deals. Popular themed vacations include birding, hiking, cycling, scuba diving, and sportfishing.

Popular land-based tours include safaris aboard zebra-striped, open-top jeeps or old-time country buses into the heart of Jamaica’s rugged interior, or up to the Bob Marley Museum. Downhill mountain-bike rides are also offered by different agencies.

Visitors are never far from the sea in Jamaica, and even horseback rides here involve a dip in the ocean. Rafting down the island’s rivers is a pleasant way to spend half a day. Guided ocean safaris aboard dinghies weave around the coast, stopping for swimming or snorkeling.