The official website for the “Grand Blue Dreaming” anime announced on Tuesday, September 22, 2025, that a third season of the popular diving and comedy series is officially in production. The highly anticipated continuation will take Iori Kitahara and the eccentric diving club to an international setting for the first time, with the story set to unfold in Palau.
Season 3 Announcement Follows Second Season Finale
The news of a third season broke immediately following the broadcast of the second season’s 12th and final episode in Japan. While specific release dates or further details regarding the production schedule were not disclosed at the time of the announcement, a key visual accompanying the confirmation has been released, hinting at the new locale.
New Setting: Palau
One of the most significant revelations for the upcoming season is the change of scenery, as the characters will venture to Palau. This marks a departure from the series’ usual Japanese coastal settings, promising new aquatic adventures and comedic escapades in the tropical island nation known for its stunning diving spots.
Production Details and Speculated Release
The second season of “Grand Blue Dreaming” premiered on July 7, 2025, animated by Zero-G with Liber joining the production. Shinji Takamatsu returned as director, scriptwriter, and sound director for the second season, with Hideoki Kusama handling character designs and serving as chief animation director. While no staff information has been confirmed for Season 3, it is expected that core members will return. Based on the production timeline for previous seasons, some industry observers speculate a potential release window for the third season around mid to late 2027. However, fans are advised that this is an estimation and to await official confirmation.
Returning and New Cast Members
The second season saw the return of key voice actors, including Yūma Uchida as Iori Kitahara, Ryōhei Kimura as Kohei Imamura, and Chika Anzai as Chisa Kotegawa. New cast members introduced in the second season included Aya Yamane as Sakurako Busujima, Sumire Morohoshi as Shiori Kitahara (Iori’s younger sister), and Yoshino Aoyama as Naomi Otoya. It is anticipated that these beloved characters and their respective voice actors will continue their roles in the third season.
The Enduring Appeal of Grand Blue Dreaming
“Grand Blue Dreaming,” based on the manga series written by Kenji Inoue and illustrated by Kimitake Yoshioka, has garnered a strong following for its unique blend of outrageous comedy, college antics, and genuine passion for scuba diving. The manga has been serialized in Kodansha’s Good! Afternoon magazine since April 2014 and has surpassed 10 million copies in circulation. The story follows Iori Kitahara as he begins his college life in a seaside town, expecting a serene experience, only to be swept into the wild, often nude, drinking parties and diving activities of the local diving club.
The series has previously received an anime adaptation in 2018, a live-action film in 2020, and a stage play adaptation, highlighting its broad appeal across various media. The announcement of a third anime season continues to build on the franchise’s success, promising more laughter and underwater exploration for its dedicated fanbase.
