Considering Cuba for Xmas/New Year, advice please

I have non-diving friends that will be touring about the island over the
holidays. Assuming I make it to Cuba at the same time, we want to meet up
at some point. Therefore, it is best if I am diving near Holguin, Camaguey
or Villa Clara Provinces. As I understand it, they will come and pick me up
if I am close enough. Otherwise, I'm going to have to train/plane/hitchhike
to where they believe they will be on a certain day.

Obviously, I'd prefer to be located somewhere that they won't mind picking
me up. And of course, I hope it goes without saying, that I'd like the
diving at that locale to be pretty decent too.

I've checked out Maria la Gorda, however, it's very difficult for me to get
to in the first place. Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo appear to be good diving
locations, but I haven't been able to find an available flight/acco package
for that time. Regardless, there's the pesky problem of hooking up with my
buds. Anyone know anything about Isla de la Juventud? Maybe I can fly in
and out of there for a week, leaving the next week to hook up in Holguin?

In any event, what I've been able to ascertain so far, is that there may be
some reasonably decent diving near Guadalavaca(sp?), in Holguin province.
Does anyone know anything about this and/or able to recommend a hotel?

Any advice forthcoming will be appreciated so thanks in advance.