OWD certification in Cuba - where, how, what?

[hmb]

Hi,
We are considering to do OWD certification in Cuba this New Year during our family trip.
I did some research but there is not much info on the Web.

For family reasons - we are looking only at Cayo Coco or Guardalavaca locations (all inclusive 4-5* resorts). So, not much choice.
My second selection criteria is to find a diving shop in the walking distance from my hotel.

1. What kind of OWD certification courses are possible to do in these places?
PADI, ACUS, SSI?
2. Is gear included in the course price (300-360 USD)? Wetcuits, especially small one for a 15 year old?
3. How good (serious-qualified-friendly) are the instructors? Any names / references?
4. I very appreciate any info regarding particluar hotels and diving shops.

Currently we are considering:
Cayo Coco - Trip Cayo Coco vs. El Senador.
Guaralavaca - Brisas Guardalavaca vs. Playa Pesquero vs. Sol Luna and Mares

Opps, forgot to mention, we are Canadians, so its a legitimate trip.

TIA

 

[scubamickey]

I'm a Cuban American and I visited Cuba legally 2 years ago. The resort is your only option. Cuba is hardline Communist so you won't find any dive shops locally. People don't own anything, just the government or in the case of the resort, the foreign company. The equipment I saw probably won't kill you, but make sure you are meticulous about checking the o-rings. I didn't find any PADI hotel anywhere.

I didn't certify in Cuba because I didn't trust the instructors or the equipment and neither did my husband who has has been diving since 1978.

Cayo Coco is beautiful and you will enjoy your stay. I hope you leave the resort and get a chance to drive around the area and see how the real Cuba. It's very beautiful.