Laguna Koi Ponds

Tucked along the coast in Laguna Beach, California, Laguna Koi Ponds is a destination shop for koi enthusiasts who take their ponds seriously. The store's outdoor grounds are lined with ponds showcasing a stunning array of koi varieties — from bold Doitsu Kujaku to vibrant standards in every size and price range. Customers routinely make two-hour drives just to browse the collection, and the store also ships fish for those who can't visit in person.

The staff is the real draw here. Oscar, in particular, has earned near-legendary status among reviewers for his deep knowledge of koi care, his patience in answering questions, and his willingness to walk visitors through every pond to point out favorites and explain what makes each variety special. Greg, the owner Ben, Gianni, Pedro, and Victor round out a team that customers describe as genuinely passionate about their fish and eager to educate.

They'll talk you through proper pond setup, filter installation, water chemistry, plant selection, and how to safely introduce new koi to an existing pond. Beyond the fish, Laguna Koi Ponds stocks everything needed for pond construction and maintenance: pumps, filters, pond lights, nutrients, water treatments, and aquatic plants. They also offer pond maintenance services, making scheduled visits to keep ponds healthy — though a small number of reviewers have flagged inconsistencies with service scheduling and communication on the maintenance side.

The store doubles as a surprisingly enjoyable outing even for non-buyers. Homeschool groups visit so kids can feed the fish, and families stop in during weekend trips to Laguna Beach just to take in the colors. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and bilingual — staff members speak both English and Spanish.

For anyone building a new koi pond, expanding an existing one, or simply seeking expert guidance on keeping their Nishikigoi healthy, Laguna Koi Ponds delivers a level of specialization and personal attention that's increasingly rare in the aquatics world.