Formosa Bay Resort has unveiled a five-metre-high 3D-printed whale tail at its entrance in Plettenberg Bay, giving travellers another reason to stop along South Africa’s Garden Route.

The installation, known as the Waffling Whale Tail, was developed by Big Ideas 3D Printing for the Beekman Group and is described by the resort as Africa’s largest 3D-printed structure.

A new stop on the Garden Route

Positioned beside the Waffling Whale Café, the sculpture is designed to catch the attention of motorists travelling through one of South Africa’s best-known tourism corridors.

The aim is simple: give travellers a reason to pull over, spend time at the resort and explore more of what Plettenberg Bay has to offer.

The Beekman Group said the project reflects a broader effort to build visitor experiences around the destination rather than rely on accommodation alone.

“Plettenberg Bay is one of South Africa’s best-known whale-watching destinations with a long-standing connection to marine life and ocean conservation,” the group said. “We want to create something memorable that captures the spirit of this iconic coastline while giving travellers a reason to stop.”

The sculpture draws on the town’s long association with whale watching. Its textured design also takes its cue from the waffles served at the adjoining café, giving the attraction a direct connection to the resort’s identity.

Blending tourism with local experiences

The Beekman Group said travellers are increasingly looking for experiences they can enjoy and remember, putting pressure on tourism destinations to offer more than a place to sleep.

“The Garden Route is one of the country’s most iconic tourism corridors, and this installation creates an experience-led destination,” the group said.

Plettenberg Bay is known for its beaches, whale-watching sites, hiking trails, wine farms and marine activities, making it a popular stop along the Garden Route.

Formosa Bay Resort is about 3 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay Beach. The family-oriented resort offers self-catering chalets, an outdoor pool, dining at the Waffling Whale Café and children’s activities through Max’s Fun Club.

The new whale-tail sculpture adds another attraction for visitors passing through the coastal town.