Who is James Ward? Meet Crystal Hefner’s new marine biologist boyfriend

Crystal Hefner debuted her relationship with James Ward in September 2024. _jimward_/Instagram

Crystal Hefner has found love again after her “emotionally abusive” marriage to 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 did not share too many details about her new boyfriend’s personal life.

The former Playmate was previously married to late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, seen here together in 2014. Getty Images for Playboy Crystal gushed about her new beau in several interviews after soft-launching their relationship on social media over the summer.

Read on to learn everything we know about Ward — from his hobbies to his career.

He is a marine biologist

Ward is a marine biologist. He founded the SeeThroughSee ocean excursion company.

Ward is a marine biologist and the owner of eco tour company SeeThroughSea, according to his Instagram bio.

The Hawaii-based business organizes wildlife safaris and deep sea excursions, including custom six-passenger ocean experiences.

SeeThroughSea also offers Kona whale watching, mermaid photo shoots, afternoon cruises and week-long diving tours, according to its website.

He loves whales

Ward is passionate about whale watching. openseasexpeditions/Instagram He often posts videos diving with whales on social media.

Ward is passionate about whale watching, which is no surprise given his sea-centered career.

His Instagram is filled with photos and videos of whales, and he often describes special moments of witnessing their majestic beauty in the wild.

“After 10 years of wishing, hoping, traveling, searching and waiting, I had my dream encounter. Two hours alone with the coolest Humpback I’ve ever met in perfect vis, with some of my favorite people in paradise,” he wrote alongside a video of the whale in a September 2022 Instagram post.

The oceanographer also captures other aquatic creatures, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and exotic fish.

He embarks on romantic trips

Ward has gone on many vacations with Crystal. _jimward_/Instagram The duo explored Mexico and the Cook Islands together. _jimward_/Instagram

Ward has gone on a number of romantic trips around the world with Crystal and documented their travels along the way.

In September 2024, he and the model vacationed together in the gorgeous Cook Islands, a nation in the South Pacific.

“Safe to say that our first few days in the Cook Islands have been a bit of a whirlwind,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “High winds and torrential rains dissipating but all culminating in an amazing experience. Their reputation as being some of the kindest people on earth isn’t misplaced and I’m so looking forward to our next few days here.”

Ward called one of their getaways a “whirlwind.” _jimward_/Instagram Crystal described their Mexico trip as a “perfect” adventure. _jimward_/Instagram

Ward previously traveled with Crystal to some small villages in Mexico in June 2024.

“The literal perfect rainy day adventure in Mexico,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.

“The small villages, big hills, and splish splashy time was a bucketlist check off I didn’t even know I had. I’m grateful lately for good people, keeping things real, and making the most out of this life. Thank you #vallartaadventures.”

He and Crystal are serious

Ward and Crystal have been open about the seriousness of their relationship. Crystal Hefner/Facebook She said she feels protected by her new man. Crystal Hefner/Facebook

Ward first posted about his relationship with Crystal in July 2024.

The diver shared a video from their many adventures around the world, calling the last few months “nothing short of spectacular.”

“I’ve spent years working on patience and gratitude, learning from everyone in my life and seeing so many of the dreams come to fruition that I’ve held as long as I can remember. Thanks for being a part of this journey with me,” he captioned the video.

They were set up by mutual friends. _jimward_/Instagram Crystal and the diver started dating in April 2024. _jimward_/Instagram

That September, Crystal gave an illuminating interview about their relationship.

“I’ve never felt like I’ve had someone that truly protects me. And in this relationship, I feel like I have a protector,” she told Us Weekly.

The pair started dating in April 2024 after being set up by mutual friends, according to the magazine.