Where were you in the water when you encountered the ray? I know they are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters.
Have you ever swam with a manta ray? I saw some while snorkeling once. Never, that sounds interesting though, the manta rays belong to the "Manta" genus as well! Yes I have been in the water with rays before. They are majestic creatures.
Mantas are found in warm temperate, subtropical and tropical waters.