Istion Yachting Reviews 63

I chartered an Istion bareboat (First Secret, Dufour 470) in Skradin Marina. The staff was incredibly kind, smiling and efficient. They worked until night to solve a technical issue caused by the previous customer. The boat was almost new and very well equipped. Highly recommended charter company

Highly recommend Istion for their boats and overall yachting experience. We leased a skippered Lagoon 46 from Lefkas for a family of 6 last August. It is not easy to put your vacation into the hands of someone else but the base manager (Andreas) was incredibly energetic, creative and professional in making sure everything went well, sometimes down to the smallest details. The Ionian islands are magical but like so much else in Greece, it helps to have someone who is really looking out for you, whether it is getting to the best swimming spots at the right time, securing scarce moorings in popular ports, getting you a table at restaurants that are already fully booked or simply knowing all the options (such as where Captain Pavlos is playing his next set of rock classics!)

Charter Beware
We have been self-chartering at various places around the globe for decades. We also owned a 60-foot catamaran over the last two decades and have reasonably substantial offshore experience. Six of us (including two engineers) chartered a catamaran from Istion Yachting, Lefkada, in the Ionian Sea during September 2024.
As experienced charterers and sailors we need to share, regrettably, that our experience with Istion Yachting was exceptionally disappointing. Overall, the boat and tender were in average to poor condition due to poor maintenance. Plainly some of this was attributable to the fact that the boat would have been under constant charter during the chartering season. For example, the tender’s outboard engine was in poor condition as it was prone to constant overheating and was very unreliable. Despite being meticulous in handling the boat, when we returned to Lefkada Marina, Istion’s base manager, Yiannis, blamed us for various maintenance issues which frankly had nothing to do with us. There was, however, a significant issue in that the prop seal on the port engine, likely overdue for service, had partly failed - leaking sea water into the gear box oil.

Istion, apparently seeking to have us cover their own regular maintenance costs, alleged that we had caused the problem by fouling a fishing line. Curiously, Yiannis said to us that it was ‘impossible for us to know whether we had fouled any fishing twine’. We understand the point he was trying to make, namely that fishing twine is very fine and essentially colourless and essentially very difficult to see whilst underway. And he appeared to be saying that there was simply nothing we could do to avoid snagging fishing twine. The reality was that we were very focussed on this and always tried to steer clear of fishing boats or areas where fishing was occurring. But the conclusion seems to be that, even if we acted diligently and did everything correctly, we were apparently nonetheless liable for damage.
But importantly, we asked many times for some evidence that we had caused the problem. All we received were some photographs of a propeller shaft which indeed confirmed a general lack of maintenance according to our engineering advice. There was simply nothing that evidenced that we had caused the seal rupture. Indeed, the photographs were consistent with some twine having been snagged at a time prior to our charter.
Subsequently, following a complaint on our part, Istion did refund 25% of the bond amount. Attributing us with any cost was absurd as it was plainly a problem that we had not caused, according to our engineers. Accordingly, we feel we need to caution people to avoid Istion Yachting. We have been left feeling that a substantial proportion of our bond has simply been applied, without our consent, towards end of season maintenance.
Clearly, it’s open to us to institute legal proceedings in Greece from Australia, and we are considering this option.

We had a wonderful charter experience with Istion Yachting.

We ventured out from their base on Kos and explored 9 islands and loads of beautiful anchorages over the course of just 1 week. Beautiful destination!

The Istion staff were so kind and helpful and the yacht was in pristine condition with only a few minor setbacks, as to be expected.

Soon again!

Excellent experience. The yacht was clean and in perfect condition. The base personnel was very friendly and helpful to us. Real professionals. They made us feel like home, and showed us all yacht's facilities. For our next charter there will be no other choice than Istion Yachting!

Every experienced skipper knows: it is impossible to check ALL the boat before start. You never know how many problems are hidden inside engine and gear, under waterline or on inaccessible side of hull. You fill in check box "all right" (in check-in form) and leave deposit before start. And if later hidden problem will be found you have a best chance to reveal how fair is chartering company.

In my case (charter 24-30.09.2022, catamaran Bali 4.1 «E.S.») there were crushed and ground plastic near anchor roller — somebody left anchor hanged and in wavy conditions it stricken a hull long-long time. This place was invisible from deck as far as from shore (catamaran was moored stern-to-shore). There was small hole from inside, but it was also invisible under chain (seems like hidden for the check-in) and hardly visible because of dirt.

Of course, I have checked a bottoms on the first anchorage, as I do it usual. Propeller, rudder, than keel of one hull, than keel, rudder and finally propeller on second hull. I missed front section from below — till now I had no problem with this. And have found the problem only Thursday.

During my 20 years of chartering experience I had some such a "cases of uncertainty" (who is guilty) and good chartering company always examined facts: was it possible to do the damage in such a conditions and circumstances. Because wise businessmen know how important for company's reputation is avoiding mistaken penalty.

But for Istion client's money (deposit) is more important that reputation. On the check-out they organized standard "performance for client": first to postpone final decision till saturday morning (when client will be hurrying in airport); then to find "repair expert" who maid a quotation of repair exactly for summ of deposit; than to send a client for further discussion to main office (of course, online); then every your letter will be answered with a week delay...

For Istion doesn't matter that in my charter conditions it was hardly possible to do such a damage — we cruised in calm conditions, maid short passages and we had to be deaf, not to hear such a hits (even under power I hear a can of beer, rolling inside of drawer, what to say about anchor!). They prefer your money in all possible ways.

So, if you like risky games, Istion is your's chartering company. Be sure: if you miss any hidden problem onboard, you will be pushed to pay for it. But if you come for relaxing vacation without problem — better avoid Istion.

P.S. More then 12 month have passed since Istion pushed us to pay for someone’s fail. And till now I have not received promised invoice on repairment. Not surprised — for sure, to fix anchor area (fare above waterline) with bolted stainless still plate (I have seen such a repairment) cann’t cost even 1000 euro, what to say about 3000. This is another confirmation of cheating by Istion.

P.P.S. I have 8 witnesses that are ready to confirm all abovementioned facts in court.

Second year in a one way charter with Istion This time a long trip (400 NM) from Corfu to Alimos. All was fine, all the team gave us a very great support and flexibility since the first contacts with the customer services (Giannis, Dorellina …€. Nice amd so profesional people. The team in Gouvia leaded by Dimitri gave all the support to connect our portable AIS etc… But Stephan from Alimos, keep having our 💯 score!! Thank you all!! See you next year!

Very poor client handling. Small damage was billed EUR 600 without any receipt/copy of invoice of what has been repaired. No more answer, no update. No need to say - never again..

If you're looking for a blend of luxury, personalized adventure, and serene relaxation, Istion is the perfect choice.

Great company, friendly people, beautiful boats. The best company in Greece!

Wonderful experience!!

Great yacht condition, excellent service.
Definitely would be back.

It was a big pleasure and a great experience to sail with this company!!! All the employees from the base during the process of check in and check out was remarkable and also during the weekly charter i had a perfect support from the base !! Best wishes looking forward to book the next charter with you!! Best regards.

Everything was excellent!!

Loved the service and the personal!

We had the best family vacation with Istion Yachting starting from Lefkada. High class quality and top service

It was an amazing experience!! 🤩🤩 Thank you for everything!!

One of the best experiences I had up untill now! The yacht was in perfect condition, the Base Staff was kind and to the point! Everything exceeded my expectations! Would totally recommend and I'll be waiting for next year's trip!

Setting sail on a bareboat charter with Istion Yachting was truly exceptional. We loved the experience!

The meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive briefing ensured a smooth beginning. The impeccably maintained and spotless yacht and efficient equipment elevated the overall journey. Precise communication and expert navigational support bolstered our confidence throughout the voyage. The booking process was hassle-free and easy.

Istion Yachting's dedication to providing premium vessels for unforgettable escapades truly stands out. With every facet expertly managed, from reservation to conclusion, they undeniably top the list for an extraordinary, trustworthy bareboat sailing company.

Thank you!!!

Polished, fully equipped,top of the line boats. The staff is helpful and friendly. they really strive for perfection!

Great costumer service by the nicest people!Great experience by the area with a very beautiful yacht!