Fans of the aquatic comedy “Grand Blue Dreaming” can rejoice, as a third anime season has officially been announced, with the new installment set to take the chaotic diving club’s antics to the shores of Palau. The news broke on September 22, 2025, shortly after the finale of the second season aired in Japan, promising more booze-fueled fun and diving adventures beyond Japanese borders.
Return to the Depths: What to Expect from Season 3
The third season of “Grand Blue Dreaming” will see the beloved cast venture to an international setting for the first time, with the picturesque island nation of Palau confirmed as the new backdrop for their escapades. This marks a significant departure from their usual Izu Peninsula stomping grounds, hinting at fresh comedic situations and unique underwater explorations for Iori Kitahara and his eccentric friends.
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the core premise of college life, diving, and outrageous drinking parties is expected to continue. The series is known for its blend of genuine passion for scuba diving and over-the-top humor, often involving nudity and slapstick comedy.
Key Staff and Returning Cast
The production team behind the recent seasons is largely returning for the third installment. Shinji Takamatsu will once again take the helm as director, scriptwriter, and sound director. Animation studios Zero-G and Liber, who collaborated on the second season, are also confirmed to be in charge of the animation, ensuring continuity in the series’ visual style. Hideoki Kusama is returning as character designer and co-chief animation director.
Fans will be pleased to know that many of the familiar voices will be reprising their roles. Yuma Uchida is confirmed to return as the protagonist Iori Kitahara, alongside Chika Anzai as Chisa Kotegawa and Maya Uchida as Nanaka Kotegawa. Additional returning cast members include Ryōhei Kimura as Kohei Imamura, Hiroki Yasumoto as Shinji Tokita, and Katsuyuki Konishi as Ryūjiro Kotobuki, among others.
The Manga’s Enduring Popularity
“Grand Blue Dreaming” is adapted from the popular manga series written by Kenji Inoue and illustrated by Kimitake Yoshioka. The manga, which began serialization in Kodansha’s Good! Afternoon magazine in April 2014, has garnered a significant following, with over 10 million copies in circulation. Kodansha USA publishes the manga in English, allowing international fans to follow Iori’s hilarious journey. The 25th volume of the manga is scheduled for release on October 7, 2025.
The anime adaptation first aired in 2018, introducing a wider audience to the unique brand of humor and surprisingly heartfelt moments that define the series. A live-action film adaptation was also released in August 2020, further cementing the franchise’s popularity. Crunchyroll currently streams the first two seasons of the anime for international viewers.
Anticipation Builds for International Dive
The announcement of “Grand Blue Dreaming” Season 3 has generated considerable excitement, particularly with the reveal of Palau as its setting. This move promises to inject new life and cultural elements into the series, while retaining the core comedic spirit that has captivated audiences. While a release date and further specifics are yet to be announced, the confirmation assures fans that more of Iori’s unforgettable college life, filled with both serious diving and ludicrous antics, is on the horizon.
