Well, if you have two weeks, it might not be that much of an issue. Unfortunately, I've never had the luxury of having two full weeks, so my statement was a point of view relative. If you've only got 9 days to go, it may be a bit short to start now. You might just go down and check around the dive operators, this is supposed to be fun, and it will be one way or another. AC is not like anywhere else, and I have no doubt you can be suitably accomodated however you choose to do it.
don't worry too much about making friends, it will happen if you have a smile.

Been there, done that, the washing machine ate the T-shirt