Is it a good idea to take your passport on a shore excursion?

You can take a photocopy of it just to be on the safe side. They might be doing that to ascertain that you are who you say you are. Alternatively, you can get another excursion in another island or with another provider. You might even get it cheaper if you go outside and tell a taxi driver that that is what you want to do and he will advise you.

Take a copy of your passport with you (or a passport card, which is available thru the gov. ) and leave your original in the safe.

The only time I take my original is when I'm checking into a hotel - it's needed at the front desk in most countries.

In my many trips to the Carib.(makes me sound cool huh) I have found that the only ID you need to get back into port is your cruise card. This is of course assuming that you got there on board a ship! My greatest advice is on any island your on in the Caribbean, don't stray too far. Some of the islands can be dangerous if you don't know where your going.

what??? that is VERY odd!! I've been in Bahamas twice, did snorkeling there and in other countries in the caribbean and never heard of that. Be very careful! I wouldn't take it with me, maybe a photocopy. While you are in the water, your stuff stays in the boat

The rules are there for a very good reason,if you want to make up your own then there is an additional charge of no less than $150.00 plus penalty,time and aggravation,but then again the choice is yours.