Every year, between May and September, something magical happens off the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. Called the “Afuera” aggregation, hundreds of whale sharks gather to feed in these waters. Although generations of local fishermen knew about them, this massive gathering happened right under scientists’ noses for years. Whale sharks are generally considered solitary, and even groups of 15–20 were once thought to be large. But in 2009, scientists were blown away to discover an aggregation of more than 400 whale sharks in one place. They found that the mass spawning of little tunny, the most abundant tuna species in the Atlantic, was drawing the sharks in to feast on tiny, nutrient-rich eggs. Capable of going long stretches without food, they gorge themselves in these waters, taking full advantage of a rare feast in one of the ocean’s most spectacular gatherings. Photos by mitty #OceanSchool #WhaleShark #Mexico #Explore