Introduction: The Moment I Stepped Aboard and Everything Changed
I’ve seen a lot of glossy photos, spent countless hours scrolling through "Top 10 Yachts" lists, and I’ll be honest—most of it blends together. Shiny new yachts, infinity pools, minimalist interiors. It all looks perfect, but it often lacks soul. I was skeptical when I first heard about the M/Y Itoto. Built in 1987? A classic Dauphin vessel? In a world obsessed with everything new, I figured this 61-meter titan might be… well, a little dated.
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But let me tell you, I was fundamentally wrong.0
There are certain moments in life that recalibrate your entire definition of luxury. For me, that moment wasn't seeing the jaw-dropping price tag of €200,000 to €220,000 per week to charter her (plus expenses—we’ll get into the real cost later, don’t worry). The moment was stepping off the tender and onto the vast, immaculate teak deck of the Itoto. It’s a boat that doesn't scream "I’m rich"; it whispers "I’m established, I have history, and I know exactly how to treat you."
This isn't just an article. This is the ultimate, YouTube-style, high-information-gain deep dive you won’t find anywhere else. I’m going to break down why the Itoto is the single most satisfying luxury yacht charter experience in the East Mediterranean right now. I’m talking about the hidden deck pool, the zero-speed stabilizers that defy physics, the 5,500 nautical mile range that lets the Captain laugh at the word "refuel," and the 15-person crew that operates with the seamless precision of a Swiss watch.
If you’re dreaming of the Cyclades, but want something that offers more space, more toys, and more gravitas than the typical modern charter, buckle up. I’m pulling back the curtain on the vessel that the world’s most discerning charterers keep coming back to.
Trust me, you need to see this.
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Part I: The Myth of the Megayacht Charter vs. Itoto's Reality
When people talk about superyachts, they usually focus on two things: the length and the age. At 61 meters (200 feet, 2 inches), the Itoto is undeniably massive. But that 1987 build date? That’s where the high-information-gain truth comes in, and why she crushes newer competitors.
The Refit Revelation: A Classic Profile, a 2024 Heart
Here is the key detail that other articles gloss over: the Itoto received a massive, stem-to-stern refit in 2023, with ongoing upgrades into 2024. When I say refit, I don't just mean new cushions. I mean a total overhaul that combines the best of the classic 1980s build—think massive internal volume, heavy steel hull stability, and high ceilings—with cutting-edge 21st-century technology and interior design.
Why does the age matter? Newer yachts often prioritize sleek, low-profile designs that sacrifice interior space for exterior aesthetics. The Itoto, built as a full-displacement steel hull, is a beast. She boasts a Gross Tonnage (GT) of 696. For a 61-meter yacht, that’s huge. It translates directly into cabins that are genuinely spacious, wide hallways, and social areas that don't feel cramped. When I walked through the guest accommodations—eight in total—I was immediately struck by the sheer scale. We're talking proper, adult-sized suites, not tiny, sleek pods.
The 2023/2024 refit injected a refined, contemporary luxury into this classic structure. The main saloon and dining room were totally rebuilt, featuring high-end furnishings, updated lighting, and panoramic glazing that floods the space with natural light. The interior color palette, often described as sophisticated, uses bright whites offset by charcoal and coffee tones, making the space feel both grand and relaxing. It’s an interior that looks timeless, not trendy. This is the ultimate hybrid: the stability of a classic ship with the style of a modern penthouse.
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My Personal Takeaway on the Timeless Design
I think the biggest "Aha!" moment I had was realizing that the Itoto isn't trying to be something it’s not. It embraces its classic silhouette. But inside, everything you touch, everything you see, is brand new. I always say, in luxury travel, service matters most, but if your home base is this fundamentally comfortable and spacious, the service just becomes the cherry on top. This foundational stability and volume is the silent luxury you pay for.
The fact that the refit included a complete rebuild of the crew quarters, mess, laundry, and galley tells you something important: the owners invested heavily in making sure the 15-person crew can operate efficiently, which directly translates to flawless service for you, the guest. Happy, organized crew means effortless cruising.
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Part II: Decoding the Deck Plans—The Foredeck Dip Pool and Hidden Spaces
The structure of a yacht dictates the quality of your vacation. On a standard yacht, the main features are often tucked away. On the Itoto, the space is utilized brilliantly across its multiple decks, but one area dominates the conversation: the foredeck.
Feature 1: The Foredeck Dip Pool/Jacuzzi
Forget the tiny, cramped hot tubs often squeezed onto the flybridge. The Itoto features a dedicated Spa Pool (Jacuzzi) right on the foredeck. Why is this a massive deal?
Views: When you’re anchored in a caldera or a secluded Aegean bay, soaking in the Jacuzzi on the bow means you have uninterrupted, 270-degree views. I imagine myself there at sunset, a perfectly chilled glass of rosé in hand, watching the caldera walls of Santorini turn pink. It’s a sensory experience that defines "yacht life."
Privacy: It’s separated from the main social areas of the aft deck, creating a quiet retreat even if the kids (or other adults) are playing games or watching movies in the main saloon.
Feature 2: The Multi-Layered Social Zones
The Itoto is a yacht designed for groups of 12 people to spread out without ever feeling crowded. I see three primary social hubs, each with a distinct vibe:
The Main Aft Deck: The transition space. This area is vast and features a large, shaded alfresco dining area. This is your primary dinner spot, the place for morning coffee, and the launchpad for water activities. It connects directly to the impressive swim platform and beach club.
The Upper Deck Salon and Alfresco: This is the "cozy" spot. The enclosed upper saloon is the perfect place for a movie night (yes, excellent technology and layout are confirmed!) or a quieter, more intimate pre-dinner cocktail. Just outside, the upper deck alfresco area provides shaded seating, coffee tables, and a commanding view. It’s my preferred spot for working (if I absolutely must work) or reading.
The Beach Club & Sauna: This is the hidden gem. The Itoto features a dedicated Sauna room at the beach club. After a day of diving or jet-skiing in the cool Aegean water, the ability to step straight into a sauna before retiring for dinner is the definition of next-level wellness amenity. The large swimming platform makes water entry effortless and is the key access point to the legendary toy locker.
The meticulous layout means that even with 12 guests and 15 crew, you can always find a pocket of solitude. That’s the true definition of space on a luxury yacht—the freedom to choose your environment at any given moment.
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Part III: The Engine Room: Unpacking the Specs that Guarantee Satisfaction
Look, I know talking about engines and hull types isn't as glamorous as talking about Seabobs, but if you’re spending €220,000 a week, you need to understand what makes this yacht fundamentally better than a glorified party boat. This is the high-information core of the Itoto's appeal.
Specification Breakdown: The Numbers Game
| Specification | Detail | Significance |
Length Overall (LOA) | 61.00 m (200' 2") | Mega-yacht status; commanding presence. |
Gross Tonnage (GT) | 696 GT | Exceptionally high volume for this length; massive interior space. |
Builder/Year | Dauphin Yachts (1987) | Classic, proven engineering; highly robust steel hull. |
Refit Year | 2023/2024 | Modern amenities, systems, and interior design. |
Cruising Speed | 16 Knots | Faster than the average yacht this size, reducing travel time between islands. |
Maximum Speed | 18 Knots | Excellent responsiveness. |
Range | Up to 5,500 Nautical Miles | Enormous range, allowing for adventurous, non-stop itineraries. |
Hull Type | Full-Displacement Steel | Ultimate stability and comfort in choppy seas. |
Stabilizers | At-Anchor (Zero Speed) & Underway | CRUCIAL: Eliminates side-to-side roll, making anchorages comfortable. |
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The Zero-Speed Stabilizer Secret
I cannot overstate the importance of the Zero-Speed Stabilizers. This technology is a non-negotiable feature for top-tier charters, and the Itoto has them.
Imagine dropping anchor in a picturesque bay off Mykonos. The water looks calm, but there’s a subtle swell. On a yacht without zero-speed stabilizers, you’d feel a gentle, constant rocking motion—enough to potentially cause sea-sickness or just generally ruin your sleep.
The Itoto's stabilizers deploy large fins that counteract the rolling motion even when the boat is stationary (at zero speed). The result? The yacht remains virtually flat, turning your anchorage into a perfectly still, floating villa. I truly believe that this single feature contributes more to guest satisfaction than any marble countertop. It guarantees a restful night's sleep and allows non-sailors to feel completely at ease.
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Performance and Range: The Freedom of Exploration
The Itoto is powered by twin MTU engines, delivering 2,095 horsepower each. This gives her a respectable cruising speed of 16 knots. Why is that speed important? In the Aegean Sea, where island hopping is the entire point, shaving hours off transit time means more time swimming, more time exploring, and less time just watching the horizon.
But the real showstopper is the range: up to 5,500 nautical miles at 13 knots. This is the kind of range usually reserved for exploration vessels, not luxury charters. What this means for your vacation is flexibility. Captain Nikos (who we’ll meet in a moment) has the fuel capacity to change course on a dime. Want to blast from Athens all the way to Montenegro or the South of Turkey without stopping for fuel concerns? The Itoto is built for that kind of freedom. That high range translates directly to superior itinerary flexibility.
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Part IV: The Crew Dynamic—Your Personal Army of 15
You can charter the most beautiful yacht in the world, but if the crew is weak, the entire experience falls apart. This is where the Itoto completely separates itself. The crew-to-guest ratio is staggering: 15 crew members for 12 guests.
Think about that for a second. That's more than one dedicated crew member for every guest. I call them your "personal army," because they operate with such seamless, anticipatory grace that you barely realize they are there, until the exact moment you need something.
The Man at the Helm: Captain Nikos Demertzis
Chartering the Itoto often means sailing under the command of Captain Nikos Demertzis. With over 35 years of experience in the yachting industry, specializing in the entire Mediterranean (including Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, and Turkey), he is the ultimate itinerary mastermind.
What I appreciate about Captain Nikos, based on testimonials, is his flexibility and deep local knowledge. He's not going to just take you to Mykonos and Santorini (though you can certainly do that). He knows the "secret bays and unknown islands" that only decades of experience can uncover. If I were chartering the Itoto, I would give him my general preferences (history, party, relaxation) and then let him craft a tailor-made cruise based on his intimate knowledge of the region and the weather. His ability to pivot the itinerary is a priceless part of the charter fee.
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The Culinary Experience: Beyond Michelin-Star
The yacht charter reviews, even generic ones, often highlight the chef's performance as "beyond delicious" and "Michelin-star meals three times a day." On the Itoto, with a completely rebuilt, state-of-the-art galley and cold storage facilities (part of the 2023 refit), the chef has the resources to execute any request flawlessly.
I’m imagining personalized menus every single day. Forget ordering off a limited list. This is about working with the chef before you even board to discuss every dietary requirement, every preference, and every celebration. The chef will source the freshest local catch from the Aegean that morning, craft perfect Italian cuisine, or prepare a formal, multi-course meal that rivals the best restaurants on land. The table settings are reportedly artistic and varied for every single meal, turning breakfast into an event and dinner into a theatrical performance. This dedicated, high-level culinary attention is a huge satisfaction booster.
Anticipatory Service: The Gold Standard
The rest of the crew—the stewardesses, deckhands, engineers, and first mates—are trained to the highest standard. They ensure your clothes are neatly pressed, your cabin is refreshed twice daily, and a fresh towel is waiting for you the second you climb out of the Jacuzzi or the sea.
One testimonial noted the "sporty, fresh, trendy" crew uniforms, coordinated down to the shoes. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the level of professionalism and coordination onboard. They are the invisible force that makes the Itoto feel like a perfectly oiled, floating private resort.
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Part V: The Toy Locker—Forget Floating, I’m Flying
For many, the luxury yacht experience culminates in the water toys. The Itoto delivers an impressive, modern selection, capitalizing on the massive storage space afforded by her 61-meter length and volume. The large swim platform makes accessing these toys easy and safe.
This isn't just a basic collection; this is a fully kitted-out aquatic playground.
The Power Toys (Thrill Seekers)
2 x Yamaha Jet-Skis: Essential for covering vast distances quickly and getting that adrenaline rush.
1 x Water Jet Flyboard: This is the showstopper. Imagine hovering ten feet above the water, powered by a jet stream. This instantly turns your charter into an envy-inducing spectacle for anyone watching from the shore. The crew has the expertise to train you safely.
2 x Seabobs (High-End): These handheld, electric devices pull you silently underwater or let you skim across the surface like a dolphin. They are an absolute game-changer for snorkeling and exploring coves.
1 x Jet Surf Labuga: A motorized surfboard for shredding waves without needing a tow.
1 x eFoil (Electric Hydrofoil): The eFoil is the newest, most sought-after toy. It allows you to silently glide above the water's surface, powered by an electric motor and hydrofoil. I guarantee this is where I would spend all my time—it feels like flying.
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The Fun & Fitness Toys (Groups and Families)
2 x Brig Eagle 10 Tenders (with 2x 350hp outboards): These aren't just dinghies; these are high-performance support vessels. They are fast, comfortable, and essential for shore excursions, rendezvous diving, or towing the less-motorized toys.
Inflatable Trampoline & Banana/Doughnut Towables: Crucial for family fun and keeping kids (of all ages) entertained for hours.
Waterskis, Wakeboards, Kneeboard: The classics, professionally maintained.
2 x Canoe Kayaks & 2 x Paddle Boards: Perfect for silent, morning exploration of quiet anchorages, allowing you to get up close to the coastline without the noise of an engine.
Diving & Snorkeling Equipment: Fully stocked for underwater exploration (though note that some listings specify Rendezvous Diving only, meaning professional dive gear/compressor might not be onboard, but all the personal gear is there).
The abundance and quality of this toy collection ensure that every guest, regardless of age or preference, has a way to engage with the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. This is where the charter moves from sightseeing to active adventure.
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Part VI: The Itinerary Strategy—Where €220k Really Takes You
The Itoto is primarily available for charter in the East Mediterranean, and specifically, she is the ultimate platform for exploring Greece. Her home port is often Athens, making logistics simple, but she operates across the entire region.
The beauty of the Itoto is that her range and stability give you options that are simply impossible on smaller, faster yachts that need to refuel constantly.
Destination Deep Dive: The Greek Idyll
I see three main strategic itineraries based on the Itoto's strengths:
1. The Classic Cyclades Loop (Athens to Mykonos/Santorini)
This is the show-off itinerary.
The Itoto Advantage: Her 16-knot cruising speed minimizes transit time between major hubs like Mykonos (for nightlife) and Santorini (for caldera views). Her large size means she handles the notoriously choppy summer 'Meltemi' winds in the Aegean far better than smaller vessels, ensuring guest comfort.
The Experience: Combining the cosmopolitan energy of Mykonos and Paros with quiet, historical visits to islands like Delos. You can spend the afternoon on the foredeck Jacuzzi watching the sunset over the Santorini caldera, followed by a formal dinner on the aft deck.
2. The Tranquil Ionian Sea (Corfu, Paxi, Kefalonia)
This is the relaxation itinerary.
The Itoto Advantage: This region is known for lush, green islands and turquoise waters, less exposed than the Aegean. The stability and quiet of the yacht (thanks to the stabilizers) make this perfect for long, lazy days anchored in bays like Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) in Zakynthos, or hidden coves in Paxi. The beach club and sauna become central to your daily routine.
3. The Grand Tour (Montenegro & Croatia Extension)
This is the adventurous itinerary.
The Itoto Advantage: This requires leveraging her massive 5,500nm range and the Captain’s extensive knowledge of the Adriatic. Starting in Greece and cruising north through Albania, then exploring the dramatic coastline and historical walled cities of Montenegro (Kotor) and Croatia (Split, Dubrovnik). This is a two-week minimum charter, but the Itoto is one of the few platforms that makes this kind of seamless, high-luxury inter-country cruising genuinely comfortable.
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The Real Cost Breakdown: APA and VAT
Let's address the elephant in the room: the money.
The rate of €200,000 (low season) to €220,000 (high season) per week is the Charter Fee. This covers the rental of the yacht, the crew wages, and the insurance for the vessel.
But you also need to budget for the Additional Cost of the Charter:
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): Typically 30% of the charter fee. This is a deposit paid upfront to cover all your running expenses: fuel (a massive cost for a 61m yacht!), food, drinks, berthing fees (docking in Mykonos can be expensive!), and local taxes/transfers. For the Itoto, budget €60,000 to €66,000 just for the APA.
VAT (Value Added Tax): In Greece, this tax applies to charter fees and varies based on the length of stay and cruising area, but is a mandatory expense.
The Bottom Line: A week on the Itoto in high season, including the APA and VAT, will likely put you in the region of €300,000 to €350,000 for the full, all-inclusive experience. Understanding this upfront is key to high charter satisfaction. You aren't just paying for a boat; you're buying access to a bespoke, 27-person (12 guests + 15 crew) floating operation that can take you almost anywhere in the Mediterranean, in absolute comfort and style.
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Conclusion: Why Itoto is the Ultimate Investment in Experience
If you made it this far, you now know the deeply satisfying secret behind the M/Y Itoto: she is not defined by her age, but by the relentless, multi-million-euro commitment to making her one of the most stable, spacious, and amenity-rich charter yachts in the 60-meter class.
This is the satisfaction payoff:
When you charter the Itoto, you are choosing the following over a standard, modern vessel:
Massive Volume: 696 GT guarantees immense space, especially in the 8 guest cabins.
Zero-Speed Comfort: The stabilizers guarantee smooth sailing and restful sleep.
Ultimate Service: The 15-person crew-to-guest ratio is almost unmatched.
Modern Adventure: A fully kitted 2024-standard toy locker, including the high-tech Flyboard and eFoil.
Unrivaled Range: The ability to cruise 5,500nm gives the Captain total itinerary freedom.
The Itoto is the key that unlocks the Mediterranean of your dreams—the one where you’re effortlessly gliding above the waves on an eFoil, eating Michelin-level cuisine on a vast aft deck, and retiring to a silent, rock-steady cabin after a day of island hopping. It's the perfect blend of classic pedigree and contemporary luxury performance.
It’s more than a charter; it’s an investment in a week of truly bespoke freedom.
I hope this deep dive was useful for planning your next adventure. I'd love to hear what part of the Itoto's experience resonated most with you. Are you leaning toward the adventurous Croatian tour, or are you ready to dive into the deep end with the Flyboard? Let me know, and we can start mapping out a sample itinerary!