Case Study

SEO Case Study: San Diego Whale Watch

San Diego Whale Watch was heavily reliant on paid ads and struggling to show up in organic search. With just 24 keywords on page 1 of Google, they were missing out on high-intent traffic (and low-cost bookings). We implemented a targeted SEO strategy that expanded their keyword footprint, optimized core content, and improved site speed.
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San Diego Whale Watch
Whale Watching Tours
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The Challenge

Limited Organic Traffic

Only 24 keywords on Page 1 of Google

Heavy Reliance on Paid Ads

High acquisition costs

Low Visibility for High-Intent Searches

Despite offering an in-demand experience, SDWW wasn’t showing up when people searched terms like “whale watching tours San Diego.” They were missing out on ready-to-book customers.

Key Results

Organic Revenue: $386K → $844K

We more than doubled SDWW’s SEO-driven revenue by expanding their keyword footprint and optimizing existing content for conversion.

Page 1 Rankings: 24 → 187 Keywords

Through a strategic keyword expansion and content overhaul, SDWW ranked on page 1 for 187 high-converting search terms—up from just 24.

Direct Bookings Nearly Doubled

The boost in organic traffic led to a massive increase in direct online bookings, reducing reliance on paid ads and OTAs.

Solution

Keyword Expansion Strategy

Increased page 1 rankings from 24 → 187 keywords

Content Optimization

Targeted blog & landing page updates for search volume

Technical SEO Fixes

Improved site speed & structured data for better rankings

Screenshots or It Didn’t Happen

https://tourboosters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/How-San-Diego-Whale-Watch-Grew-SEO-Revenue-to-844K-with-187-Page-1-Rankings.png
https://tourboosters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/From-0-to-750K_-How-CSD-Built-a-Tour-Business-From-the-Ground-Up.png
https://tourboosters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/13.5x-ROAS_-How-SDWW-Doubled-Revenue-and-Cut-Ad-Spend-by-30.png
https://tourboosters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/140-Revenue-Growth-from-SEO_-Coastal-Sunset-Destinations-Case-Study.png

Why These Strategies Work for Tour Operators

SEO that drives direct bookings

We rank for high-intent keywords that actually convert.

Ad strategies that maximize revenue

No wasted budget—just high ROAS.

Conversion-focused websites

Turning traffic into paying customers.

Client Testimonial

We went from barely showing up on Google to being one of the top-ranked whale-watching tours. Our organic traffic has doubled, and it’s bringing in real bookings.

Jenna Ross

Operations Manager

Want to See These Results in Your Business?

Limited slots available – we only take on a handful of clients per quarter.
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