Crystal Hefner has found love again after her “emotionally abusive” marriage to the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.
The former Playmate revealed in September 2024 that she is dating marine biologist James Ward.
While she gushed about their relationship in several interviews, Crystal didn’t share too many details about her new boyfriend’s personal life.
Read on to find out everything we know about Ward, from his hobbies to his career.
He is a marine biologist.
Ward is a marine biologist and owner of the ecotourism company SeeThroughSea. according to her Instagram bio.
The Hawaii-based company organizes wildlife safaris and deep-sea excursions, including customized ocean experiences for six passengers.
SeeThroughSea also offers Kona whale watching, mermaid photo sessions, afternoon cruises, and week-long snorkeling tours. according to their website.
He loves whales
Ward is passionate about whale watching, which is no surprise given his career focused on the sea.
Her Instagram is full of photos and videos of whales, and she often describes special moments where she witnesses their majestic beauty in the wild.
“After 10 years of wishing, hoping, traveling, searching and waiting, I had the encounter of my dreams. Two hours alone with the coolest humpback whale I have ever met in perfect harmony, with some of my favorite people in paradise,” she wrote alongside a video of the whale in a September 2022 article. Instagram post.
The oceanographer also captures other aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, sea turtles and exotic fish.
He embarks on romantic journeys.
Ward has taken several romantic trips around the world with Crystal and has documented their travels along the way.
In September 2024, he and the model vacationed together in the beautiful Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific.
“It’s safe to say our first few days in the Cook Islands have been a bit whirlwind,” he said. wrote on Instagram “Strong winds and torrential rains cleared up, but it all culminated in an amazing experience. Their reputation for being some of the kindest people in the world is not misplaced and I look forward to spending our next few days here.”
Ward previously traveled with Crystal to some small towns in Mexico in June 2024.
“The literal perfect adventure for a rainy day in Mexico,” he said. wrote on Instagram At the moment.
“The small towns, the big hills, and the splashing in the water were an experience I didn’t know I had. Lately I’m thankful for good people, for keeping things real, and for making the most of this life. Thank you #vallartaadventures.”
He and Crystal are serious.
Ward first posted about his relationship with Crystal in July 2024.
The diver shared a video of his many adventures around the world and called the past few months “nothing short of spectacular.”
“I have spent years working on patience and gratitude, learning from all the people in my life and seeing many of the dreams I have had for as long as I can remember come true. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me,” she said. subtitled the video.
That September, Crystal gave a revealing interview about their relationship.
“I never felt like someone was really protecting me. And in this relationship I feel like I have a protector,” she said. He told us weekly.
The couple began dating in April 2024 after mutual friends introduced them, according to the magazine.
