Hi Rick -
So you settled for a week in Alona Beach rather than hush hush around - IMHO a great decision. I like the Alona Tropical resort - its on the nicest stretch of beach, quite cheap but decent and clean little bungalows some almost directly on the beach. They have a resident dive operation, Sea Explorer, used to have Danish shop manager in 2003 and 2005, think his name was Arne. There's at least four other dive shops on the strip of beach, so look around a bit for a good price. Most of them have daily exists so just look around and if you like it, go for it. Wouldn't bother making reservations for the dives, but for the room i would (though not in the style suggested above but that's up to you). I personally like Baywatch Divers, a local owned shop. Vernon is a great guy and his son Butch will find you all the good stuff, but i reckon most dive masters will. Have fun, arie