Florida-based freelance travel writer and journalist, Terry Ward, lives in Tampa and first got certified as an open water diver as a college elective at the University of Florida. She has reported from and dived on every continent except Antarctica and counts Indonesia (all of it), Palau, French Polynesia, Fiji and Northern Norway among her favorite places to explore underwater and topside. She writes Scuba Diving's Roaming Diver column every issue and is a frequent contributor to publications such as CNN Travel, National Geographic, Afar, Conde Nast Traveler and many more, in addition to being an on-air travel expert. She speaks Spanish, French, some Dutch and German and is always keen to learn a new language.
Back to Scuba Gear
Terry Ward Articles
Sure, adrenaline-pumping thrills can be part of the appeal, but sometimes you just want a laid-back, chill dive—nothing but vibes. These four destinations are ideal for any diver looking to slow down a bit.
Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos opened March 1, 2026, with included scuba for certified divers, junior dive programs and new beachfront villas.
Chance encounters underwater with whales are rare—but they're a lot more likely to happen at one of these incredible spots.
We all love that feeling when a big showstopper of an animal makes an appearance. But there's something special about the humdrum, everyday dive, the ones where you take a moment to appreciate even the smallest of things.
It's one thing to see humpback whales in person, but hearing them is an entirely different—and completely transformative—experience.
Discover Florida Keys dive events from Key Largo to Key West that combine world-class scuba diving with hands-on conservation in 2026, from coral restoration to lionfish removal.
Join GAS Divers for the underwater and topside trip of a lifetime
From Taveuni to Vanua Levu, an experienced diver introduces her niece to Fiji’s healthy reefs, iconic walls and local hospitality.
Those who can brave these chilly water temps are rewarded with some of the best visibility that can be found anywhere on Earth. It's so clear, it's almost disorienting.